(really a reply to sibling)

I just did exactly this. There is now ten miles a week of walking in my commute. I wore out three pairs of shoes before spending a bit more for some Doc Martens; they meet exactly this requirement. Not too heavy for "city" walking, although a bit heavier than trainers. No problem in the wet. Durable. The only reason I wouldn't go hillwalking in them is wanting to keep them clean.

(This is almost literally the "Vimes boots theory of poverty" from Pratchett)

Great - but then those boots are too heavy for walking around in a city - and are those boots suitable for wet or dry conditions?

I'd love to have less stuff, but I don't know how that doesn't turn into simply having the wrong stuff.

I love my Waldviertler boots:

http://w4tler.at/schuhe/jaga-schwarz-herren

Perfect for almost everything all year. This guy [1] walked 15.000 km with them. He needed just 3 pairs of them.

[1] http://www.globalchange.at/home/willkommen.php?main=home&sub...

I've used the same pair of lightweight waterproof Timberland boots for the last 10 years (in the Spring, Fall, and Winter). It's not a problem at all walking around a city (Boston & NYC) in them, or hiking outdoors. In the summer, I go with my barefoot shoes, but that's a luxury and not necessary.

I've effectively used hiking boots for city-life for years. Yes, they are heavier, and the first week you get tired of walking faster than everyone else, but then it becomes natural.