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Boots are one of those things where you just have to see what works for you. Look at what others have done listen to their advice but keep in mind what works for one doesn't work for all.
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Us older guys who have been through many pairs of boots under all kinds of terrain know that, hell yes, it is very individualized. Here is the only advice I'll give, based upon my real world experience from Basic - AIT - NCO School - OCS - Ranger - SF - AASLT - EIB - Korea, Somalia, Honduras, etc.:
Once you find out what works for you, DON'T CHANGE IT for "the big one."
I can't tell you how many times soldiers who have a decent pair of well worn-in boots, with plain OD green wool socks, and miles of rucking under their soles, will get stupid before a big march. Whether it's Camp Mackall back to Ft. Bragg, or 25 miles over Soya-San mountain, or even a EIB/EFMB course, some idiot will tell that soldier the night before "the big one" that the key to an easy foot march is [blah] [blah], where [blah] [blah] might be: "wear two pairs of socks," or "wear cotton socks under the wool socks," or "rub your feet with Preparation H to reduce swelling," or "tape your toes together."
I GUARANTEE you that the idiot soldier who has never tried that technique before in his life and who starts "the big one" by following his buddy's advice will be wimpering, whining, falling out, and probably in the follow truck within 10 miles of starting.
Boots and road marches are like sex, while there are some basic rules and techniques, you will have to learn what works best for your particular situation and based on your configuration. Of course, the rule also applies: "if it hurts, you probably aren't doing it right."