What is the most practical footwear for the AT in the White Mountains of New Hampshire during thru-hiker season??
Up north, trails, including the AT have rocks and roots in the footway. They can be very hard on footwear. It's not a graded walk in the park.
Boots or trail shoes? Thru-hikers use them both. I guess I'd say, use whatever you used through Pennsylvania. If you were happy with your footwear there, you should be happy with it throught the Whites and beyond.