I commuted for years using basic toeclips and street shoes. They worked very well.

A year or so ago I jumped over to SPD pedals, and really like them. All my bikes now have them. I got some Winwood Instep clip on toeclips, but only used them once for "testing".

If I am doing shopping, the SPD shoes work just fine.

If I'm planning a whole day's activities, I usually bring an extra pair of shoes with me. And, if it is a few day's activities, I'll just leave the extra shoes at the destination until I''m done with the project.

If you are commuting to work, and have some storage, then I'd encourage wearing cycling shoes for the commute, then changing shoes when you arrive. The SPDs are still comfortable, but you could use just about any type of cycling shoe as you would have your shoes to change already at work (assuming you didn't accidentally take them home).