This is a key difference. Even though the trail down the Grand Canyon has a lot of elevation change, it's well maintained and pretty smooth. I went about halfwa

This is a key difference. Even though the trail down the Grand Canyon has a lot of elevation change, it's well maintained and pretty smooth. I went about halfway down in sneakers no problem. Rocky stuff, even a little, are ankle twisters and having support is important. Back when I used to hunt, it was mostly flat but sometimes rough terrain and walking along/up/down rocky slopes. Sometimes there is no trail, you're crashing through brush. My favorites were LL Bean boots - about 6", laced a little loose so there was some freedom of movement but support if it was needed. Leather because snakes.