Boots are a very personal decision. The boots I hike in have become lighter, lower, and relatively cheaper over the years as my ankles have developed strength. My current hiking boots are basically low cut sneakers. There are many different brands available. Vasque is one of my favorites.

The high cut leather boots are obsolete for any significant hiking, but are great for work situations like fire fighting where ankle and lower limb protection is needed. I have two pairs, one with steel toes (Redwing), and one without (Georgia - steel toes are a no-no on the fireline. A lot of wildland firefighters use their first OP check to purchase a pair of Whites. I have no experience with them.