Brent, Everybody has their opinion on this subject, but I have found that the old LL Bean Maine hunting shoe with 16" tops work best for me thru the type of country you refer to. They are light, keep the water out when walking thru sloughs, and are easily and cheaply rebuilt by Bean anytime. I had a guide in South Dakota who wore them,also, and he was out walking miles and miles every day with them. Just a thought. Sandlapper