Loads of good boots out there. I started my hiking 'career' with full leather boots and then progressed to the more modern styles. I had a pair of Keen Targa 2s, very comfortable and a pair of Salomon Quests, again very comfortable. Unfortunately I lost confidence in that sort of boot because both brands leaked like a sieve! The Saloman was worst, leaked badly the first time it rained! I have now gone back to all leather boots, no problems since. My current brand is Berbhaus Superlite 2s, my only complaint is their poorish grip on slippery surfaces, (I suspect a problem with most modern boots?) they fit me like a glove, they are not heavy and they are waterproof!
For my part, I am male but I always buy womans boots, for me a better heel grip than the male types which helps me to ensure that blisters are a thing of the past.