ORIGINAL: Wingbone
I don't think that neoprene would stand up well against thorns, barbed wire, etc. I'd go rubber.
I've got news for you, the rubber ones won't hold up any better!!! I'm on my third pair of LaCrosse Burleys as we speak!! Sticks have put more holes into these boots that I care to count, yet alone thorns or "barbed wire"!!! One thing about the rubber boots, you can'troll the tops down, because they will crack right at thefold over time, been there done that. The Neoprene boots can be folded over without a problem. If I had to make a choice right now, I'd go with the Neoprene's!!