RE: Rubber Boots?
I have a pair of Grange LaCrosse and a pair of Alpha Burly's. Used to use BOGS a lot and they were super quiet and light weight, but a small staub punched a clean hole through them. Membrane held, so they are still waterproof, but that neoprene ain't very tough.
I am hoping that Crocs (who makes those super light, super comfortable slipper mocks) will come out with some sort of hunting boot made from their lightweight, soft rubber. Would allow you to step very very lightly, and man are they comfortable!