I have never worn a shoe that I really liked. I used to buy small, generic black boots that nearly looked like shoes because I felt like there was stability and protection for my feet, and after I broke them in they usually were pretty okay. I tried Converse on my last purchase, and while I like being able to tell more what I'm walking on than with boots, my feet hurt after a lot of walking. Ideally, I would like a shoe that is perfect for both everyday life and hiking - I have hiking boots that are okay, but again they're just okay.
Any recommendations? I've been reading about this particular version of Vibram FiveFingers, and they sound interesting, but who knows if anyone I know will ever let me get away with them. Also, on that product page "Bouldering" is listed as an activity they would do well in, but I don't know if that really translates into hiking well.
Also, if there is a shoe that's just really cool, I'd probably turn out to be superficial enough to try it. I always kind of wanted Soap shoes, but that's a bit nerdy of me, and the ones that looked like Sonic's shoes aren't around last time I checked.

I own a pair of the KSO's and it all depends on your feet.
They don't offer much support, but there is enough protection for the bottom of your feet that you won't worry about little rocks or what not.
Keep in mind that they don't protect the top of your feet at all, and if you're prone to stubbing your toes you'll curse the Vibram's non-stop. Other than that I love mine, and wish I could wear them to work. (Be sure you know your UK size, and they run a little small so go a size larger)
Oh, one other thing about the KSO's, they WILL get sand/dirt inside of them, so you'll be cleaning them about once a month.

I'm not too concerned about my toes. What's this about the top of my feet, though? Are they just going to soak up rain? How about walking on wet ground?

May I strongly recommend that you keep separate "hiking" and "walking" shoes? Good features of hiking shoes - flexible soles, breathable material and strong grip - are actually not that great when you're walking.
If you're keen on feeling the cobbled stones through the soles of your shoes, I would recommend the traditional leather/rubber walkers like Rockport or Florsheim. I've been wearing one or the other for almost 10 years as my "wear to work" shoe.
Years ago, I was tossing up between a pair of gel-assist Asics and a pair of Rockports, when the sales lady said, "most of the parking inspectors come in here and buy the Rockports". That sold me.
If you're going to do that, though, it might be better to get yet another pair of shoes for when you're going to be doing a lot of walking (e.g. holidaying, exploring, getting married in Vegas, running away from spouse after said marriage).
The "walking shoes" section of most shoe stores will feature a bunch of gel-impregnated soles with reinforced ankles, and they'll support your legs and feet in a way that no traditional rubber soled shoe can.
Suggestion: Ask the guy at the shoe store what sort of shoes *he* wears. I don't even know what brand runners I have in the closet, but they're the same as the ones the guy at the store said that he wears, and they've been treating me brilliantly.
Another suggestion: Find a shoe store with a good return policy, such as one that has a 7-day refund policy even on shoes that have been worn. Try something. Do not hesitate to return it.

The tops of the shoes are a mesh, if it's raining or you're walking in puddles (more than just damp/wet ground) your feet will get wet. But at the same time they'll dry quickly, and due to the design of the shoe you can't wear socks so you don't need to worry about that.
The bottom are a rubber, but that only goes up a tiny bit on the sides of the toes, then it's their stretch fabric and finally a breathable mesh.

Fair enough. I knew it was a tall order. Thanks for the shopping advice, by the way - it seems weird to return shoes, but that's a good "out" to keep in mind. Unfortunately I might have to buy online because I am between a US 6 and 7, which many stores decide not to carry, which in turn makes returns a pain.
Okay, last question: do your feet smell any worse with these than with regular shoes after a nice, standard day of use? It seems like the lack of socks might contribute to a rather unpleasant environment, unless the mesh helps with ventilation.

They feel a TON better than normal shoes... while you don't wear socks, keep in mind that the shoes are designed to not have socks, so more care is taken in the internal feel of them.
The only thing is they'll take a couple days of getting used to, and you need to make sure your toes get in all the right slots and don't double up. If you do get them, I'd give them at least a week before you decide you don't like them. (Yes they'll feel weird and annoying at first)

While I can't speak in regards to hiking boots, I've worn combat boots since 1998, and almost exclusively since 2002 when my knees started giving me problems when I wore any kind of sneakers. Recently, I wanted to ditch my combat boots since they had a tendency to be a pain to take on and off, and depending on your environment, they could be quite uncomfortable.
So, I went out and got a pair of Globe Sabre's.
Yes, they are skate shoes. Do I skate? Not whatsoever. But they are extremely comfortable. It almost doesn't even feel like I'm wearing shoes at times. Since they don't need to be tied, they have a pouch on the sides where you can stuff the laces. I bought them in May or June and they are still holding out just fine, and I walk ALOT throughout the day (Downtown college, lots of walking to different classes and public transportation stops).
So, if you can afford them (I paid $80 for my Sabre's, after initially looking at a pair of Adio's for $60 but were out of stock) I would recommend picking them up. Who cares if you don't skate, skate shoes have alot of different styles and are quite possibly the most comfortable sneakers I've ever worn.

That website is having a nice sale on my size! I like the look of those, too.

I just ordered a pair of the KSOs. I'm much more comfortable running barefoot, but just joined a gym, and they make you wear shoes there. Bastards.
Very excited! Took a while to find my size though, most folks are out of stock.

I wear nice, insulated brown leather shoes now in the winter. In the summer I wear nice, non-insulated brown leather shoes.

Whenever possible you should go to a proper shoe store that has assistants that know about their products and how to measure and fit shoes correctly. When I got my last pair the woman discovered that my feet had grown enough that I should go up by a half size; if I had been buying them without assistance I would probably have gone for the same size as my last pair and ended up with an uncomfortable fit, or maybe even a type of shoe that is unsuitable for what I actually use them for.

I've been loving mine. They are extremely comfortable. I would recommend some thin toe socks like the Injinji ones to go with them though - I can only imagine how horrible mine would smell without 'em.
EDIT: I also picked up a pair of Nike Free 3.0 Version 2 shoes, and between those and the Vibrams my feet have been in heaven. The only other shoes I need are Rockports for work, and maybe KSO Treks for hiking. Who knows when I'll feel like I have enough cash for all that, though...

Can't wear Nike. Their shoes are too narrow. Must be made for three-toed Indonesians.