they're everywhere this year. just guessing i'd say that regular rubber boots don't have what it takes to stop fangs. i've heard of guys wearing snake boots get hit by rattlers and it still knocking them down. so if your regular boots will protect you, then you're more trusting of them than me. really what's $179 for peace of mind? i like my rubber boots too, but right now until it frosts i'm going to be in my snake charmers (lacrosse makes these, they're almost if not just as comfortable as my rubbers after breaking in).