I remember using duct tape to serve as "gaiters" to keep snow out of my boots. When we were kids, we'd find open water and dip our knee length boots up to the hilt, with the jeans on the OUTSIDE. It was like making a candle, and after many dips, one had solid ice encrusted jeans that made a pleasant clanking noise when you walked. When we finally decided to go home, often we had to sit for an hour or so until they thawed enough that we could get out of them. My best friend's grandmother used to just look at us, roll her eyes, and mumble something under her breath. Those were the days.
