I used to wear my pants outside my boots for the same reason. Now I wear them tucked into my rubber boots. Never thought about them acting as a wick but I think that is a long shot. Your feet would have to be swimming in sweat for the odor to travel up 18" and out your boots. With my pants tucked in, I don't have to worry about walking through muck and water. Practice odor control and don't worry about it.