The Mukluks come to just below the knee. I don't find them hot at all, not even a little.

Try the liner socks, get your boots and a pack full of rocks, get em soaked and go for a mile hike. You have to have confidence you have a solution. The unintended consequences of blisters may put you into an undesirable position. The thing that would be hard to replicate however is constant wetness. That softens the meat up.

I like the Mukluks because I can get a good "feel" for the terrain underfoot. Sort of like a moccasin. I will more than likely always run them unless I get into REALLY long, rocky portages with steepness involved (Isle Royale). Add some precipitation and that could spell trouble for a boot that lacks aggressive tread and ankle support. For the "Q" though I find them perfect.