Sneakers are good for walking. I have different sneakers for walking, easy hiking, tennis, gym, boat, etc.
For trekking sorts of things on rocks and slopes, I like my Meindls. Yes, they are heavy but they are tough as nails and do not slip on anything. Not yet, anyway, and I have tested them on wet shale slopes, bouldering, and things like that.
They were perfect for the hill hiking in the Outer Hebrides, but overkill for the hikes in Provence. Well, we kinda avoided the steeps in Provence of which there are plenty.
Yeah, leather boots need some maintenance if used heavily. Good for a lifetime though.
I think gear-oriented people tend to overdo it, while others underdo it. I wish I had had those Meindls during all of those bird-hunting trips in northern Maine. Lots of uphill, downhill, swamps, downed trees, rocks. Sometimes snow, sleet, and hail.
Autumn weather is the best hiking season.
Happy feet matter.
What are your favorite heavy hiking/trekking/hunting boots for cool or cold weather?