Tennis and running shoes aren't made for traction and protection, and hiking shoes are. Therefore I wear hiking shoes. But I go hiking every weekend and wear out a pair of shoes every year.

The difference is that hiking shoes have stiffer lasts, better lugs on the soles for traction on variable surfaces, and I find that the big toe bumper on the front protects me from the rocks, roots and junk in the trail (and off).

Full boots hurt my ankles and feet. So I wear shoes all year unless there's a lot of snow. I don't like waterproof unless I'm in wet snow, either. I'd much rather have wet socks and breathable shoes, than waterproof shoes - my feet never got wetter than when I tried Goretex.