I really like riding and well i am doing a SIN

i am riding with regular tennis shoes and not riding with boots. I know this is a big sin. i tried to ride in timberland boots but it did not work out so well, could not shift and well just did not feel comfortable and even on campus my feet started hurting. so i am asking. i ride to school which is 30 miles away would you guys suggest a full race boot or a riding shoe. I notice i only find stuff online so can someone really break it down to me. I have a size 12 foot and well even though i like my gsxr i dont like the shifting area.
Thank you