Ya, I might feel differently later in life, but I really really dislike heavy boots. I'm a big proponent of low cut trail runners or light hikers. Big heavy "backpacking" boots are just a lot of weight to lug around on your feet. An extra pound on your feet seems to add up much more than several pounds on your back, but I know some people like the over the ankle support of a mid or full height boot.
I also prefer a gore-tex or membrane lined trail runner personally. I just like the little extra weather protection as I hike through mud or cross streams or cross snow. However, there is a trade-off. A membrane (gore-tex or other) shoe inherently won't breathe quite as well and don't dry out quite as fast. So when your shoes get soaked from hiking through drenched grass (any membrane wets through eventually) it can take a little while longer to dry out. I always pull the insoles out of my hikers to help them dry when they get wet. Plus again, its another reason I like light hikers. If you have a light hiker that isn't full leather, but has at least a mix of synthetic it will breathe a little better and therefore dry faster. I've never had issues with soggy shoes the next day after getting soaked through. But I suppose if you're tasked with hiking through the rain and soggy foliage for 3-4 days straight there just isn't any footwear that is going to keep your footsies dry.
I'll put in my little plug for Oboz footwear which I'm in currently. I think their proprietary membrane, Bdry, seems to be both more breathable and more waterproof than any gore-tex liner I've ever been in. But ultimately the most important thing is a shoe has to fit, and not everyones foot will fit any particular brand. Oboz fit me, which is why I currently wear them, but their membrane has been impressive as an addition.
Edit: yes and at least 1 extra pair of socks are a must in my opinion, when backpacking.