Why do I want to spend money on boots?

Apparently, you do not want to spend money on boots. Great. I have no reason to try to tell you your opinion on this is wrong. As long as what you wear works for you I say knock yourself out.

I rarely wear boots anymore, either. I spend my money on trail running shoes for most of my hiking. I still own a pair of boots for more extreme situations, where they make some sense.

I never wear sandals hiking because I've never liked sandals at all, for anything. That doesn't mean you shouldn't wear sandals because I don't like them, or that I should wear sandals because you do like them. Seems like common sense to me.