I wouldn't worry about the looks. Once you treat suede it looks like rough out leather.

Do a search on Bees Wax for boots here. I am a convert but modify it by treating new leather with the Obenaufs, Motana Pitch or Huberds and then treating the entire foot part with the pure bees wax and heat gun method. Do the wax twice and it will last through the hunt unless you are in scree or crusty snow.

I would do the entire boot if I was hunting in deeper snow or the PNW. Good gaiters help in snow or mud and make leather boots more versatile. Keep a pair of packs as a back up, or at least extra socks. Extra socks can help even with the packs.

"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli