I've used my OTB's with SealSkin w/waterblockers, neoprene, and just wool socks. I never tried Gore Tex socks. My feet got wet in all cases. The evaporative cooling of the wet boot/socks kept my feet cool to cold. But it's my favorite option for creek travel in the spring, summer tripping too. Very solid support and decent grip on wet rocks.

Fall tripping the creeks are mostly too low to travel so I opt for Muck boots and try to avoid long sections of creeks. They're too hot for summer tripping though.

Generally agree with what's been said. My OTB's are older and show no wear problems. Maybe they changed production some since??