The feature of the high top (non-snow) boots I like is the sole/footbed rigidity. I don't want a flexible sole in the backcountry, and especially not when scra

The feature of the high top (non-snow) boots I like is the sole/footbed rigidity. I don't want a flexible sole in the backcountry, and especially not when scrambling. Unfortunately the weight is a (literal) drag in a long through hike. I'd be willing to use a "hiking shoe" if it had a rigid foot. Ironically my beloved chacos have a very stiff sole; with the toe strap they give me the same traction on irregular terrain and same small-rock sole protection that I get with my clunky boots. I did a five day trip with them in the Desolation Wilderness and it was pretty good, except of course as a sandal I got sharp crud over the sole. Also they are pretty heavy for sandals. It seems like the high top winter boots have less stiff soles. If it's not too cold and I want to make distance I have used my leather summer boots with the snowshoes. It's hard to do a lot of A/B testing in these cases as you can't do a five day through hike every weekend.