Trail runners are what quite a lot of people use nowadays. Many brands are available. Boots are kinda old-fashioned and heavy. Even New Balance, Nike, Salomon, and many others make them.
I've used NB trail runners everywhere: Grand Canyon, Sierra, Adirondacks, Cascades, Big Bend in all kinds of snow, rain, dry, rocks, whatever. They cost about $50 to $60. While they are available in most sporting goods stores, even a place like REI sells them.
Anyways, there is very little need for a boot that covers the ankle or goes up high. Maybe on glaciers where you are using crampons, too.
Trail runners need no breaking in; they just work. I wouldn't worry about durability myself. If you use your shoes a lot, then they should wear out. Indeed, maybe a heavy boot wears out faster because you are not light on your feet?