I think you and I both live in a Summer dominant climate, where the opportunity to wear boots is quite limited. So we don’t tire of boots!
I personally don’t find boots any hotter to wear than sneakers (sandals are definitely more airy). So I wear them in any circumstance where I would prefer to wear a closed toe shoe.
I think how you wear them is mostly personal preference. I also think your eye can adjust to wearing them in warmer weather the more you wear them. Remember 10-15(?) years ago when we baulked at wearing ankle boots with skirts? Doesn’t raise an eyebrow now.
Personally, I wouldn’t wear black, dark brown or maroon tall boots in warm weather. Feels too heavy. I would wear lighter coloured tall boots in Spring. But maybe not Summer.
Ankle and mid calf boots are more versatile because they are not so visually dominating. I would wear almost any colour ankle boot in warm weather but I would avoid suede (for the reason you mention) or anything with a more heavy, snow boot vibe. I have black Taos mid calf boots that I only wear in cool weather because they have a heavy look and a nubuck finish. But I also have some combat boots which have a heavy sole but are a smoother leather and a bit shorter and more urban/refined than the Taos pair. I am comfortable wearing them all year round.
I’d only wear black if I were wearing black in my outfit (common for me but not so much for you). Otherwise, I think lighter colours look better in warmer weather.
I think your boots translate very well to trans-seasonal dressing. Just do it!
