I've been using the same pair of Abyss boots for the last 3 seasons including three 3 week trips in Quetico, Wabakimi and WCPP.  They've held up well, in fact good as new.  However, I have mixed feelings about them.  First, my big trips are in the summer so I generally wear them without socks of any kind.  I've never had a blister problem.  The boots do afford some ankle support and they're pretty much guaranteed to stay on your feet even when you're thigh deep in boot sucking ooze.  That being said, I find them hot, they gather a lot of ooze and crap in the boot (they can really get a stink on) and, once they're wet, they're a pain in the butt to take off and put on.  I have this notion to go back to what I used to use, which are Keen H2O sandals (now my camp shoe.)  My biggest concern is that at some point they'd get sucked off my feet so, so far, I've remained true to the Abyss.  As for wearing dry socks.  I'm not sure I see the point.  Abyss are designed for wet footing - late spring to early fall.  If you want to keep your feet dry then I'd find a boot that is water proof or, at least, water "resistant."  For example, Kokatat Nomad Paddling Boots will definitely keep your feet dry in the shoulder seasons but I think you'd boil in the summer.