I just started bike commuting this week (Arlington, Virginia to DC). I have Trek 7300 with the standard issue pedals (platform). For commuting I want to stick with this type of pedal (for now at least). I may switch to clipless when I get more comfortable on the bike (It’s my first bike for 20 years).

I wanted to leave my dress shoes at work so I thought I’d get a pair of shoes just for biking, as I’ll be doing it every day. I got these from REI: “Pearl Izumo Vagabond”.
They are categorized as Mountain Shoes, so they have a tread as well as being clipless pedal compatible.

After using them for just 3 days I realize that they are not the right shoe – they are too hard – they have torn the plastic treads on the pedals to bits and they frequently slip off. No problem - I’ll save these shoes for if and when I go “clipless”.
In the meantime – what kind of shoes are best? I run – so I have a lot of running shoes but surely the cushioning and arch support on these is unnecessary.
So I’m still looking for a pair that I can use just for cycling. I’m guessing that I need a softer sole, decent tread, a flat bottom? …… what do you use?
(I’ve seen Tiva’s mentioned - that’s OK for Summer but it’s getting a bit too cold for that now)

The wonderful thing about platform pedals is that you can wear whatever shoes you want. That way you don't have to change shoes when you get to work. If your commute is fairly long, and you need or want to change shoes when you get to work, why not go ahead and go clipless? I resisted clipless pedals on my commuter bike for a long time precisely because I didn't want to change shoes. But because this bike is also used for long rides, I eventually switched the pedals to clipless. Don't be afraid - it's pretty easy to learn how to use them -just practice getting in and out of them in a quiet, safe area before using them on your way to work.

my girlfirends exact quote after switching to clipless...

"why did i wait so long????"

it is easy, go for it!

Before my eyes were opened regarding 'clipless' pedals, I used a platform pedal. To keep from slipping off of them (relatively speaking, compared to "regular" shoes), I wore a pair of cross-country running spikes. Now, that I know better--clipless! I'll never go back; much more efficient--and I've also trained myself in the proper way to mount and dismount the bike (see https://sheldonbrown.com/starting.html ), I'm no longer afraid of clipless pedals and cleated shoes--I have a pair of Vagabonds--or of raising my seat as high as I need it to be, because I no longer try to stay on the saddle at traffic control devices, tippie-toed on one leg to stay balanced.

.

I used clipless since day one. I mean, since my first REAL bike a couple years ago. I bought the bike with speedplays. Jumped right in and loved it.
Just recently, i said screw it. I'm going back to platforms just for giggles. For my 12 mile commute, guess what.... pretty much no difference. Ya I can't pull like i used to, but it hasn't made any difference in my time that i can see. It's amazing what kind of speed boost you can get just by lifting your foot with the pedal, even though you are not actually pulling the pedal up. Anyway, just thought i'd mention that.

To the original poster, I agree that it doesn't really matter what shoes as long as they are grippy. It sucks when your foot slides off the front of the pedal and it swings around and hits you in the back of your heal. Ouch! Especially if they get wet. But i wear my Tiva sandals right now.

OK somehow my earlier post didn't show up. If the tread bumps rub off your pedals, it's because they're crappy pedals. That's what happened to mine, and I was using normal sneakers. You can get inexpensive METAL platforms for less than $20 I think, or you can do what I did and get Performance Campus pedals, decent platforms on one side, clipless on the other. Then you can try clipless whenever you feel like it and ride platforms whenever you feel like it too.

For shoes;anything grippy. I've used sneakers,hiking boots,and combat boots.

For platform pedals;yeah the stock Trek pedals aren't real good. Metal MTB pedals can be found cheap. Avoid the ones with the screws sticking out,they'll tear up the bottom of your shoes. I personally prefer Cannondale Octopus pedals;I've got them on 3 of my bikes. Check shops that sell Cannondale to see if they have any laying around(I think I'm the only person out there that likes them),I've gotten them for as little as $10.

Any shoe that fastens to your foot or boots

No flip flops, no house slippers , no open sandals
no footwear that is not SECURED to your foot.

I've commuted in flip flops... once. I wouldn't recommend it.

If you intend to go clipless eventually, you can still benefit from the stiff sole that a clipless show provides. Some mountain style ones I have seen have recessed clip component, with a chunk of sole mechanically fastened to cover it up until needed. You can score one of these and get a direct benefit. Then, you're all ready for when you decide to get a clipless pedal. There are also clipless pedals that are platform one side and clipless on the other.