I have been hit twice in two yrs one copperhead one water mocassin both would have gotten penetrating bites had it not been for my gators. i will be going with boots though because they aren't as bulky and hot. i know a lot of guys that use them and all of us agree on one thing. nothing will make your drawers turn brown any quicker than seeing a big set of fangs hitting you. better to pay a 100 bucks now for boots than 50,000 later for a med bill.