If you are intending on covering huge distances with different levels of incline and terrain, you'll do well in investing in a decent pair of footwear. The usual key features to note when shopping for a pair are lightweight, durability, and type of sole.
If you aren't scaling mountain sides, I recommend either a pair of either mid or low cut of trail runners (or boots if the terrain calls for it). Boots tend to be heavier, thus more taxing on your feet and knees if you are wearing them over an extended period of time (weeks to months). This is especially more pronounced with you cover long distances every day in them. Do remember you will be bearing the weight of your rugsack from start to finish as well, so do take serious consideration in eliminating any excess weight that you can get away with. Do remember, if you are traversing the terrain over the course of at least a couple of days without a reliable source of water, you will have to carry that too. 1 litre of liquids = 1 KG. You will need to rehydrate sufficiently due to physical exertion and possibly climate; every day.
As for 'waterproof' footwear, I usually do not bother too much unless you are crossing streams/rivers; just take them off before you negotiate the crossing and strap on a pair of sandals if the weather and climate allows for it. Leather footwear once wet, takes a long time getting dry (even with a campfire). Synthetics are the way to go since they usually weigh less and if built with the right sort of material - dry faster too. My Pair of Merrells dried as I was walking, but unfortunately they aren't built like they used to, had to retire them 5 months into my trip.
Hiked from Marseille to Cassis along the Calanques. Stunning view, spent 2nights stealth camping further inland with lesser rocky outcrop and reached Cassis on the third day. Rocky terrain with its fair share of uphills & downhills paths, and sometimes strong nerve wracking cross winds while traversing a narrow path along the cliff side with a 150m to 200m drop.
My Merrells got the job done for the most part, but now that I've retired them, I'm in the market for a new pair myself.
heard that Merrell Moab is good too
