This is very encouraging. I tore a tendon in my left foot about a year ago and was told I will probably need to wear sneakers for the rest of my life. That is, if I don't have truly awful foot surgery. So, for about nine months, I've been wearing sneakers nonstop. That's after I got out of the cast, and then the boot. Ugh!
At first I was miserable, but then I began to look around. Here in Manhattan people are wearing sneakers everywhere. Even on very fashionable Madison Avenue. Even to upscale restaurants. And even to the Metropolitan Opera. Of course everyone isn't wearing sneakers, but about 90% of the population wear then during the day.
What I'm coming to realize is that switching from sneakers back to "regular" shoes is unpleasant for most people. Sneakers are just too comfortable. They are also safe and easy to walk in, and are what your podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon would recommend. Of course many people don't care about that... until it's too late.
I'm having a lot of fun creating outfits that look good with sneakers. Many are very casual, but some are not. It's an interesting challenge.