I prefer some sole protection and other than that the most flexible shoe / boot available. I only really want a boot when I am trying to keep my feet dry. If someone made a grippy, lightly soled, full grain upper (longevity) , I'd order them tomorrow. Otherwise, its just grippy hiking shoes, for most mountain environments and replace them every 6 months. I do prefer boots in the cactus, but that is the only place in dry conditions I will seek them out.