I have found the big platform pedals work very well with tennie runners or skate shoes, my feet are always very comfy. I also use the Superfeet inserts on all my shoes. I also use spd's for when I'm on a "cycling mission". But if I know I'm going to be doing a fair amount of walking or just bebopping around town I prefer regular shoes. SPD shoes work a lot better for cycling than walking, but it is nice that you can do both. I have ridden 50 miles with my platform pedals and did not feel deprived at all. And this is coming from a guy who used to be a hard-core bike nat-c/bike snob, you know, the worst kind.
The point being just get some big platform pedals and most of your feet problems will probably melt away. Although the Superfeet inserts are a little spendy they changed my life.