I had looked at some shoes this spring and I thought I remembered the LBS suggesting that MTB shoes might work well for me. I don't plan to use clipless pedals (making cleat configuration a moot point) and I'd like to be able to walk in them a short distance if needed.
Thank you for your insight on this. The seller wrote back and offered to sell me a set of clipless pedals-and the shoes-for $45. However, going clipless is not on my bucket list; I'm getting occasional foot pain wearing sneakers while riding and thought I should invest in proper footwear.