An interesting answer to get more utility out of a small package might be suggested by the footwear worn in WW2. For most of the war most infantrymen wore leather shoes and canvas leggings instead of boots.

http://www.olive-drab.com/od_soldiers_clothing_combat_ww2_serviceshoes.php

A good pair of leather walking shoes and leggings, or improvised leggings, might be as simple as a long strip of cloth or Ace bandage wrapped like WWI puttees, might serve.

For short term use and around camp swim booties are light and handy. Water shoes are the modern equivalent.

The Vietnam war era NVA ran pretty much their whole army on glorified high-tops and sandals manufactured from truck tires, commonly called "Uncle Ho Sandals":

http://onfinite.com/libraries/591865/7f6.jpg

A bit primitive perhaps but it didn't seem to slow them down.