Any question answered...

Many serious long distance walkers don't even use boots - it may be down to how much junk you insist on carrying with you, but many will walk in very light weight approach type shoes or even minimalist shoes.

A very good boot is
this
by Meindl, which is issued to the UK military who often flog them cheap and unworn. Very breathable and zero maintenance, and fairly grippy but not too stiff sole. I have done about 2000 miles on one pair, and just got new pair (for £40) although the first pair are still fine. In wet weather I wear sealskin or gore tex socks, but otherwise they cope with a lot more abuse than you might think. They come in half sizes. Go to a boot shop and get fitted for any Meindl boot, the sizing is very consistent.
I have a couple of pairs of the Meindl Borneo 2, which I have had for years, and are very good, but they are very stiff and the sole is very hard. I really only use them for upland walking. They are probably the best non gore tex boot available, and can be had for £120 if you shop around.