I wear wading boots with neoprene socks. Mostly because of my season. I fish the salt spring through fall and the fresh fall through spring.
I like the durability and ankle protection of a boot. Stabilizing and armor for boulder fields and heavy current. The amount of water movement in the surf can really move you around with ease.
Most fresh conditions do not require boots, but because most of my tenkara is in the winter the boots add some insulating from the cold.
One thing that I use are gripStuds on all my wading footwear. The whole thread may be of interest.
I was speaking with a friend and he was noting how wading boots are overkill as hiking boots are overkill for hiking and even backpacking. I am sort of old school and also a bit older…so for me I do not think I would vary much from what I have been doing all these years, although I do understand the argument.
As with anything there are trade offs and the abuse that you put your body through in your youth you may pay for later, or as you age you find its just not as tolerant. Like the last couple years I have found my left foot has a bone spur. I really cannot wear anyfootwear without some sort of orthotics. I like and use the green superfeet insert. It has stood up to years of abuse in the salwater environment. Good and comfortable.
Most wading boots and shoes have poor arch support…a consideration to extend your day is to add one.