I'm probably the wrong guy to ask. I hike pretty much everything in trail running shoes unless I need crampons or long gaiters, and have for most of my life. All I can say is I own some nice, comfy leather hiking boots and I never wear them in Yosemite unless I think I'll see a fair bit of snow. The trail is indeed quite a highway (not paved though) and, as is typical here, less mud and roots and such than out on the Long Trail or Appalachian Trail. The big reason that people choose beefier footwear, especially if with a pack, is all the little rocks. Over time, you feel them through flimsy shoes and it can make you somewhat more footsore.
Personally, if I were going to do one thing for my feet, I would pick up some shorty gaiters. My wife loves (and I will soon buy but haven't yet) her Dirty Girl gaiters. Don't be put off by the jarring website (you'll see what I mean). These things are absolutely great for the gravelly trails we have here where you're always getting stones in your shoes.
I'm probably the wrong guy
I'm probably the wrong guy to ask. I hike pretty much everything in trail running shoes unless I need crampons or long gaiters, and have for most of my life. All I can say is I own some nice, comfy leather hiking boots and I never wear them in Yosemite unless I think I'll see a fair bit of snow. The trail is indeed quite a highway (not paved though) and, as is typical here, less mud and roots and such than out on the Long Trail or Appalachian Trail. The big reason that people choose beefier footwear, especially if with a pack, is all the little rocks. Over time, you feel them through flimsy shoes and it can make you somewhat more footsore.
Personally, if I were going to do one thing for my feet, I would pick up some shorty gaiters. My wife loves (and I will soon buy but haven't yet) her Dirty Girl gaiters. Don't be put off by the jarring website (you'll see what I mean). These things are absolutely great for the gravelly trails we have here where you're always getting stones in your shoes.