Good water-semi-sorta-resistant hiking shoes are still preferable to mis-fitted heavy clunky boots that blister you before 1/4 way in. But I would sure take a nice freshly sno-sealed boot that fits me well over anything else! If the boots are right and your feet are used to them, they can be wonderful for long trudges. Shoes feel more comfortable at first, but as the day drags on your legs stay fresher longer despite the extra weight. But they have to fit right, not just the basic sizing but a model that suits your individual feet, and you must wear them regularly.

If you don't have those boots already and are planning a trip soon, I would actually suggest sturdy shoes, plenty of spare socks and extra care in not finding the deepest spot to step in. Misfit boots are far worse than misfit shoes.