I have a set Le Chameau St. Huberts for the past 10 years. The St. Huberts are not sold in the US, but they are one of the most common hunting boots one sees in France. Best pair of rubber boots I've had, you are can really walk far in them unlike most of the others I've had in the past.
http://www.lechameau.fr/85/86130/famille_10858/bottes-de.htm Good points. I do not like the zipper ones myself, and I've not had a problem getting them on or off but I have pretty small feet for my size. Also as you said they do not do well below freezing... I found that out the hard way.
For prices while its a crap shoot Sierra Trading post about 1-2 a year will have some great deals on a couple of times of Le Chameau boots.
These look nice but there might be two problems:
1. No full-length zipper. Guys with feet as big as mine would never make the bend.
2. They are rated only to -4 degrees C. Not enough for a harsh climate.
