My boots feel like sneakers on my feet, because they are sneakers. Over the years, I have gone to lighter and lighter footwear. Typically I will backpack with running shoes or trail runners. Yes, they wear out quickly, but they don't cost very much to begin with. i do have sturdier boots for rocky mountain trails and snow situations, approach shoes for scrambling trips with incidental rock climbing, etc. I vary my foot gear to match the terrain. I never wear my outdoor boots around on pavement. That is just needless wear.

The brand I like for overall comfort, durability and versatility is Vasque. You will get various recommendations because all our feet are different, and we get a different fit with different brands. My Vasque Sundowners lasted me over a decade of fairly constant outdoor use, and they were warm enough for anything short of plastic double boot snow and ice country.

For everyday hiking, get something low cut like a sneaker, with a good sole, maybe put in good insoles, and wear low gaiters to keep the dirt and sticks out