Some racing shoes have cleats which protrude from the bottom of the shoe, and making walking tough. The key to buying a good shoe is fairly straightforward. Pick the type you want. Then, make sure it fits you well. Our apologies to the fashion-oriented, but it would be better to buy an ugly shoe that fits, than a gorgeous one that doesn't.
Looks are important, but blisters and other assorted foot problems are a very high price to pay.
You should be able to easily find shoes which are attractive and comfortable both. You can wear most anything to ride a bike. But, clothes especially designed for riding are a wonder. The helmet and gloves top the list, because they help to protect you from the ground in case of a fall. Eye protection, such as goggles, keeps bugs and dirt out of your eyes, which also has safety implications.