my $0.02:
Looks like you're already doing this, but I'd go for touring-type boots that cover your shins (vs. "shorty" boots).
For the track I have real race boots (Sidi ST Airs) but on the street I wear lowly Bilt perforated Trackstars. Despite the name they're really not track boots... more like touring boots with toe sliders. They were inexpensive (like about $60 on sale) but they're holding up surprisingly well and are now going into their seventh season. I like them enough that when I ran across a near-new pair someone was selling for cheap, I snapped them up and put them on the shelf.
The exact same boot appears to have been renamed the Liberty and marketed for women. Go figure.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-...y-womens-boots