I don't do a great deal of summer hiking, but fall and spring I use my 2nd pair of limmers, as the limmers i bought in 76 are just good for working now (to many rebuilds) In winter I use Koflach Vertical.<br>I never had gortex boots but i suspect your feet get wet anyway.....<br> I wear silk/poly blend socks year round with smartwool hiking socks. I just don't care for cotton and don't own any