I have had the same experiences with the Alphas. I fianlly swithced to waterproof non rubber boots. Unless you have to cross deep water I would just wear normal boots (not rubber), I have not seen any advantage in my hunting experience in wearing rubber boots. I do agree with the cover scent suggestion, and also everytime I step in the woods I walk in mud or a mudhole to cover any foreign scents. Btw, I have a couple pair of muck leather boots they are unbelievably comfortable, mucks are quality boots. Im sure their rubber boots are just as good.