RE: boots
I bought a cheap pair or "duck boots" at Walmart last year. my damned feet froze, even with those handwarmers in them and two pair of socks. This year a bought a pair of Browning Pak boots from Sportsmans's guide and I've been loving it so far. I also bought some merino wool socks. Now it has only been down in the 20's once when I was out hunting but up in my tree stand with the wind blowing my feet were fine. After I killed my deer and had to drag it a half mile to the truck, my feet were soaked but I really didn't care.
Goretex is breathable. That's the difference. the water won't go thru it but they will let your feet breath a bit.personally I don't see the advantage for the winter.
David