Hiking boots vs trail shoes

Hi Elijah.

Footwear's sadly a running cost in hiking, difficult to escape that.

Start small, cost-wise, see what works. Don't over invest at first and beware of any 'ideology' or argument for either/or without fully knowing what the advisors are actually doing. People just say things without fully explaining what they do -- how they hike, how often they hike, where the hike, etc etc.

Also, inasmuch as footwear is one of the most crucial items as you're walking all day, don't stress too much on getting it right first time. I've seen hikers in sandals, $$$$$boots, tekkies, trail runners, even barefoot etc etc. Experience is ultimately what'll decide this for you, and that experience will come at the price of trying out different footwear. Other big factor is your tolerance for discomfort. 

Buy on sale, Black Friday's coming up.
For trail runners I'd recommend Brooks Cascadia 16, or whatever number it's on now. Toughest runners I've used. Comfy too.

Other tips:
Beware of shoes/boots with loads of panels and stitching = failing points.
Trail runners with wide open, and soft, "breathing mesh" will shred quickly, allow lots of grit in and those pointy seeds stab stab stabbing you all day.
Salomon's Quicklace system is not great, always needs adjustment. True laces are best.
Goretex lining is hot and just awful in summer.
Softer soled trail runners will perish quickly.
Look for something with some toe protection, a rand of some sort...(unless you're hyper fast 'n light it's hard to quickly dodge rolling stones.)
Don't buy online unless you've tried them on in a shop somewhere.
Beware online 'demo models' as they're often not the real thing. Had this with Altra (SA official website) once.

If you look on this thread you'll see fellas hiking in vellies and boer Dans-Kerk-Werk boots....
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/search.html?query=blast%20from%20the%20past&searchdate=all&childforums=1