I totally agree with Teslinhiker's choice of footgear - low cuts are much preferable to high top leather shoes. Their lighter weight will significantly increase the distance you can hike, as well as your comfort. I would recommend after market insoles, like Superfeet or Spenco (my preference), especially on concrete surfaces.
As I stated previously, I prefer a high-top boot due to past ankle injuries. It is possible that it is all psychological, but I feel much more stable in a high-top over a low-top. I normally play volleyball in a high-top court shoe. Every once in a while I forget them and use a low-cut pair and I really notice a difference.
I know your circumstances apparently rule out using a bicycle, but this may not be the case for others. They should consider that while 20 miles is a long day's walk, it is an easy two hour bike ride. I can consistently average ten mph with a fully loaded touring bike, covering seventy to eighty miles a day, carrying enough gear to remain self sufficient for days at a time. If equipping for a GBH situation, the load could be decreased and bike durability enhanced to deal with the complications preset in a post earthquake situation.
I also live in earthquake country, but my part time job is only five miles away. I usually commute on my touring bike, and I always have what is required to walk the distance if necessary.
Congratulations on being proactive about this situation.
The bicycle is definitely the way to go. Just wish I had a way to keep one at work. All the worst case scenarios I have been running through my head generally rule out a bicycle as well. However, I need to keep reminding myself that these are the "worst-case" scenarios and "better-case" scenarios are possible/probable and I need to plan for them as well.
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