I have a version of the Chota (Nunavut II, a predecessor to the current design).  The uppers appear to be the same, but the sole is completely different.  For older versions, they employed a lugged sole in the same material as the bottom section of the boot.  So, based on this difference, I can't say anything about the durability of the sole.  The soles of my boots (bought around 2005) are still in reasonably good shape, given that I've tripped in them nearly every year since they were purchased.

The uppers are the same ... neoprene on the outside; fleece on the inside.  This combination is very warm.  You can stand in icy water (which I've done while fishing from shore for hours) and not feel a thing.  However, being that warm, my feet will have a tendency to get wet from perspiration.  The good news is that the tops  are sufficiently pliable that you can turn them down (like fireman's boots).  The Nunavut version are brown and tan, but even with the lighter color, they are still warm in the sunshine.

The other thing to consider is what to do should you dump in deep water.  It is doubtful that you could swim in these boots if filled with water.  So my recommendation is to loosen the lacing as you depart from shore, just in case.  If you point your toe, they will slide off relatively easy.  You will need the boots laced tight for portaging so they stay on if you should have to traverse boot sucking mud.  You may still have to raise your toes just a bit to make sure they don't slide off.

dd