Thanks everyone for your insight! All very good points that are greatly appreciated. My hip-boots do fit fairly snug, as I had also given some thought to the loose boot causing havoc on a portage or coming off in the mud, but they have straps around the ankles and straps that attach to the belt so coming off should not be an issue. I have worn these boots in the muck duck hunting, capsized and was still able to swim with them on, though not something I would recommend trying again!! I will of course always be wearing my PFD while paddling also. I'm starting to lean towards just hiking up my skirt getting my grapes wet and going the wet-foot route. I plan on having a 2nd pair of dry shoes for camp anyways.