Must depend on who’s feet they are on
I have two versions of Chota lace-up models, and have never seen any need for special socks to aid in getting them on and off. In fact, they go on and off far easier than ordinary hiking boots (whether high-top or low-top), for which special slick-surface socks aren’t needed. I am a slender person, but others have mentioned here in the past that the “fat-taper” uppers of Chota boots make them go on and off with ease. Anyway, I always wear wool socks with a polypro liner sock under them. Wool is better than any other material I’ve tried when it comes to warmth, but also are amazingly cool compared to other materials when it’s “too hot” for warm socks. The polypro liner sock is just an easy way to keep the wool clean.
Mukluks
Anyone’s - best for winter paddling if you are talking northeast temps.
Brooks
Topkayaker has them on sale:
http://topkayaker.net/TopKayakerShop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_126&products_id=906
Same here, GBG
Down here in Florida our winter day temps can go from the high 30s to the 70s in a few hours, and with my Chota mukluks and smart wool socks, I’m comfortable from one extreme to the other. And I’ve never had trouble getting the mukluks on or off.
I’ve got Chota mukluks and NRS Boundary boots. I like the Boundary boots best. If you go with either, be sure you try them on before buying, because their sizes aren’t very accurate. Be sure to allow room for socks.
I used to wear regular socks inside the boots but switched to neoprene socks and they are all I use now. The neoprene socks should also be oversized enough to allow for additional warm socks if you paddle in really cold temps.
The only thing about the Boundary boots that might improve them a bit is if they were just a bit higher like the Chotas.