One thing I recommend is to avoid goretex lined boots like the plague. I believe GTX liners are nothing more than marketing gimmicks and are not suitable for footwear becuase once wet, a GTX lined boot will stay wet forever.
I much prefer a full leather unlined boot as they are waterproof and actually have a chance of drying out in the field! Unfortunately most civilian boots are GTX lined so army surplus maybe the way to go, I use latest issue German army issue boots and cannot fault them.
For summer use they are a big no no due to how high up the leg they go. I've yet to find a good short leg unlined boot for summer hiking, so I wear Merrel approach shoes instead, which I dislike becuase they are not leather and you get soaked simply by walking on wet grass!
I agree, the only pair of "walking boots" I possess, are never worn now, after one incident when I was up over my ankles in a bog.
In this recent wet weather I have gone walking with a friend who has been constantly complaining about wet and soggy feet. I have been wearing my Sandals, even through the mud and not been complaining. You do have to be careful with Sandals though, there is a lot of cheap rubbish about, that will fall apart on you at the wrong moment. I have a pair of Merrels for the country, and Timberland for Urban use.