I'll check out the Didsbury shop Vegas, thanks. I'd forgotten about Padders, they also take orthotics and are not as clumpy as most decent shoes. I live in good quality walking shoes/trainers in the summer, and walking boots in the winter. They don't look so good with a frock though, or my best trousers.
Merrill do a good walking shoe, which covers the toes, but has an open pattern. It also has a sling back, but not a flimsy one. this means your orthotics can be fitted into the shoe. I bought a pair when we went to Venice years ago. It was summer, so I wanted something that was supportive enough for city walking, but I could wear without a sock. They've been fab.