I like a zero-drop minimalist shoe for weight lifting, running, and working (I spend a lot of time standing in one spot at work). It's great for my lower back and causes me to use a proper running stride and lifting form. However, walking longer distances (more'n a mile or so) is less comfortable in them, due to the heel strike problem you mentioned.
On the other hand, a minimal-drop shoe (4mm or so), like some of the New Balance minimalist trail runners, seems to work great for my hiking. I take slightly shorter strides with them than a traditional shoe (keeping me centered better on semi-technical terrain), but can still heel strike normally. And they're lightweight enough that they dry as quickly as possible (Florida virtually never has low humidity). I also like being able to feel what the terrain under my feet is going to do before I settle my weight completely on one foot (I'm not the world's most graceful guy), and the thin sole on my Minimus 10Ts helps with that.
So, that's what I've found that works for my feet, joints, and climate. Yours are probably different, and that's just fine. Find what works for you!
