Santa brought me a pair of OTB Abyss boots!  I have used the OTB Storm, but they are hard to get on and off.  Otherwise, no complaints about the Storm.  However, the Abyss with all the holes in the bottom sole is not all that comfortable to wear.  Has any one tried them with wet socks?

If so, what are some brand/makes of wet socks that seem to work best? 

Big fin
I picked up a pair of NRS wet socks and found them uncomfortable. In 5 minutes my feet were wet anyways from sweating like a pig I suppose in cold environments they would definitely keep you warm.....but then why not go with a regular waterproof dry boot?

I used the OTB boots this past August on a 10 day trip that seen very limited portaging. It seems to me under some rather intense scrutiny the boots showed a bit of wear.....now I am suspicious of them. Will they fall apart on an extended trip of say 2 or 3 weeks? Duct tape, cable ties and parachute cord could get me through but these are the boots that special forces use?

Maybe mine were knock offs.........seems that there are several manufacturers with quite a variety of pricing.......now there is Abyess 2.......I bet they are better ......certainly more expensive than what I paid. 

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.

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??

Thanks, All.

I tried them on again last night bare footed, and they feel like there is a firm spot right on the back of my heel.  Also, the insoles are very firm.  I think I will like the boots, but concern over blisters is what has me thinking about a boot liner.  I'm headed to REI this afternoon, and if I pick something up I'll post everybody on how it works out. 

On the OTB Storms, I liked how they were lined with neoprene.  I always felt snug in them, and was never concerned with blisters.  With the Abyss, I just feel like they need a little tweak before they can be perfect.  I do think they can be perfect, too.  I'll let you know what I discover.