Desert Hiking Boots vs. shoes

I'll be in the 'heavy weight' divisionn of The Bataan Death March (in March), meaning carrying a 35 lb. pack for a marathon distance. It will be probably hot, dry and definitely sandy. What would be the best type of footwear?

Karen , I think I would consider boots so as to reduce the amount of sand that gets into your footwear. I would go with unlined leather boots.

Is this an actually a hike along the Bataan Death March route, or are using the phrase figuratively?

Wear the lightest shoes you can that will provide adequate support. There is lots of sand, and it is likely to be hot. I wish I could give you specific recommendations, but I've always done the military category (four times).