Footwear is important, however it can be daunting to figure out what you should use and when.

Carrying loads of 30 lbs - 40 lbs on back country terrain you should consider a mid to high boot with a light to medium stiff torsion control.

Loads of 40 lbs or more then consider mid to high boots with a stiff torsion control.

For mountains or alpine - get mountaineering boots.

But for other excursions with light loads there are many options that work well in many terrains. Keep in mind that you don't have to limit your options to just footwear that will support ankles and covers the toes. Hiking in sandals can be just as comfortable, pleasant experience as any footwear. This isn't to say they don't have their drawback, just don't limit your options.

I've done back country ultra light camping and multi-country backpacking in a set of Teva's that lasted 9 years. Very comfortable, great traction on so many different terrains that they were usually my go to hiking footwear (for light loads and just kicking it, specially for disc golfing).

Recently I've been interested in Chaco Sandals - Solid PU sole that will last longer than any EVA. But the main reason I love them is that when your sandals have issues of wear they can be fixed - check it out on ReChaco - http://www.chacos.com/US/en/Rechaco-Landing

One can also create their own Chaco's and they've recently started making some of them in the U.S.A. Great company with solid beliefs of making great products and doing good business.

Rock the Chac's

-Jeff