I use SPDs and Shimano SPD hiking boots. And I carry a pair of flip flops for walking to the shower. The hiking boots have taken me on many walks, including a 10 hr 5000ft vertical elevation climb up a volcano in Japan. They are nearly as good to walk in as my Scarpas.

I like the A530s, yes the platform side is smooth, but the only time I use that side is in flip flops anyway.

One of the advantages of SPDs or clipless is that you can move your panniers forward if needed, knowing that your foot position is fixed you can trim the gap pretty small.