Shoes that can do anything…

Get a zero drop shoe. It helps squating and deads significantly. It takes you off your toes.

Edit: I use vivo breathos and like them a lot.

>" light backpacking, hiking, going shopping, vacations, going to the gym, going for an occasional jog, even to wear to work on casual Fridays…"

I do all those things in Salomon's low-cut trail runners. XT is the model, I think.

If I only had three shoes in the 48 states, it would be a pair of trail runners, Crocs for wet/hot conditions, and black leather loafers for office/dressy occassions.

Here in Alaska, I'd really want to add a fourth pair: neoprene Bogg boots to just below the knee for use in snow, on the beach, while fishing, and because they are surprisingly reasonable to hike 5 or 10 miles in.

It's important to ask what your gym routine is like. I'm coming from a weightlifting perspective, and to lift freeweights you must absolutely have a flat sole.

If you're using machines, it's far less important (maybe a little more important if it's a smith machine or something that mimics real weightlifting) and your options open up a lot.

I'm probably the opposite of you in that I have lots of shoes for specific purposes, but if I had to pick just one pair it would probably be iniv8 f-lite 195. I think they're now listed as gym shoes on inov8's site (they used to be running shoes)

I wear my merrill trail gloves for all the activities you describe, including work. I do own a second pair in leather for when I need to be dressier…

I'll second, or I guess third, the notion of zero drop shoes. I recently switched to them and I am truly amazed by the improvements I am seeing in my balance and ankle strength. I am using the merrell barefoot line as well, but I at this point I am positive I will replace future shoes with zero drop soles, regardless of the brand.

I'd go with a zero drop or minimal drop trail runner. I've put 1000+ miles on a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves and they've held up well. I've used them for pretty much everything with no issues. For something with a bit more support and 4mm drop the NB Minimus are good shoes too, although I can't comment on the durability as I've only put a couple hundred miles on them.