I wear trainers/jogging shoes. Because I have a wide foot and I'm flat-footed it's hard to find a woman's shoe that will fit me correctly, so it's men's shoes for me.
I know what you mean about the loud shoes = status and power. There is a regional director who visits our McDonalds occasionally. He wears taps on his shoes. So, when he's walking around you know it. However, my g'friend and I get the giggles when we hear him. It sounds so prissy and old-fashioned.