I use both. Approach shoes for some things, true mountaineering boots for others. Part of the reason I have stuck with hard sold mountaineering boots is I have planter fibromatosis, and one theory is tht injuries to the planter fascia have hypertrophic healing, not wanting to have my planter fascia stripped out, I decided stone bruising was unacceptable and on rocky ground with a heavy pack I go full retard on the boots.
I also find the hard sold handles steep slops better as it cuts into snor or alpine plants rather than molding to it.
I also find the hard sold handles steep slops better as it cuts into snor or alpine plants rather than molding to it.