What
 

For elk hunting I would like to know what kind of hunting boots you'd recommend that can meet this criteria.

1 Steep hills
2 Cold in the morning and there will probably be snow on the ground. Hopefully no more that 8".
3 Must be comfortable to do a lot of walking. I've always had problems with boots not fitting perfect which lead to sore feet and sometimes black and blue big toe nails that can screw up a hunt in a hurry. I've paid as much as $230 each for a couple of pair and really focused on how I lace them so my feet don't slip but when I do a lot of walking (especially) on rough terrain I periodically have problems. (Buying this more expensive boot didn't solve the problem)
4 I do not wear cotton socks and try to buy some of those expensive kind that WICK the moisture away.

Maybe I should be looking more into hiking boots over hunting boots. I am open to all suggestions on boots/socks/liners/etc.

Thank you!!!