best pair of boots I had was an old pair of Rocky's- lasted about 15 years of A LOT of upland bird miles and several seasons of western elk/deer hunting. Incredible. I've now had a pair of Schnee's Beartooths for 3 years. Really good until this year when several holes have appeared. Not sure...
I used to wade across the Bitterroot River in college; always coming within a couple inches of the top of my waders while on my tiptoes. I was often by myself, in the dark. So dumb. The duck hunts could be excellent, though!
I also won't be getting another pair of Kenetreks. Mine get the most use upland bird hunting in the Midwest. Mine do not cinch well at the top and were badly frayed at bottoms and along seams during year 2. This is my 3rd year using them and both buckles have ripped of the gaiters. I'm going...