I don't want a cycling shoe exactly I want a shoe I can cycle in...

[KatyMac]

Well a boot really - My ankles get cold 😆

I'd like a flexible sole, ideally leather (haha like I can afford leather) or at least fairly waterproof & a zip rather than lace up and I cant reach down easily

Any ideas where to start?

I’m a fully card carrying lycra wanker and do many miles miles a week in carbon soled £300 cycling shoes with cleats that cause you to walk like Bambi on ice if it’s wet in a cafe, because when you are doing 60+ miles a time the comfort and stability of these is significantly worth it. When I ride my MTB on flat pedals to the shops, or like the rental lime bikes/boris bikes I just wear trainers or walking boot type shoes (my job means I basically live in merrell/Salomon type goretex walking things so it’s not like I have to take a second pair of heels for work or anything which is good). You definitely do not need special shoes to go 3 miles, or an occasional 15 mile round trip. If the 15 miles is regularly and each way and you can get away with slightly more chunky footwear then look at flat MTB shoes such as 5tens, and pair with flat pedals with metal pins for a more sturdy pedal-foot interface, but for 3 miles definitely choose the footwear you like for other features like fit/style/fasteners and cycling will be fine.