for you intended use - any bike will do. Although generally geometry affects handling and how the bike fits, for short trips a "track bike" will pose no problem in comfort, on the same not the "road geometry" will not have a problem handling in traffic.
Cool, thanks. Sounds like I can choose completely on feel, even if I can only do a short test ride at the shop, and not obsess beforehand about frame style.
Toe overlap is not really an issue. You learn to deal with it and it only comes into play at very low speeds. What size bike to you ride? Even with road geo there tends to be some overlap in the smaller sizes. Toe overlap is not a defect in frame design, its not that big of a deal.
I would say go to the bike shop and talk to the person there. Ride several bikes and by the one you like best.
I don't know my size, need to get fitted, but I'm not very tall (5'4). So I imagine I'll have a pretty small frame, and any overlap that comes with it. Nice to know it's not such a big deal.
Thanks very much for the info and advice!