As far as survival in the wild or on and off the beaten path are concerned, I think gumboots are indispensable. A prepper can use them in a wife variety of can use them in a wide variety of conditions and terrains including crossing swamps and walking through dense vegetation at might without having to worry about being pricked. I have an old undersize pair, do you own one?
Yes I own a pair of gumboots/Wellingtons. Good for mucking out the pig pens, would not wear them anywhere else. Certainly not on a walk somewhere. I would be more comfortable getting wet feet. Keith.