Ok here is what I do . I scratch the heck out of them then i get in a tub of hot water with a coffe cup of clorex and soak in it maybe a little more if needed . get out dry off and cover them in clear finger nail polish .
As far as your ankles go to Wal-Mart and get you a pair of leg gators they go over your boots at the top and wrap tight around them and the pants have had great luck using them ai have a pair on every set of boots.. good luck