I think of boots as protection for my feet. If I'm on well maintained trails, shoes work well and make for easier hiking. If I'm off trail and thrashing through deadfall, or carrying more than 30 lbs on my back, different story. The more strenuous things get, the heavier the boots get. But none of my shoes/boots are combat boots.

You wear what you're comfortable with, and if your feet need something heavier than mine, wear 'em.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki

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