Pbgunrnr: I am not far behind your stats there.
I have Hunted Elk for over half a century and the priorities for my Elk Hunting boots are in this order:
#1 = Comfort
#2 = Warmth
#3 = Ankle support
#4 = Warmth
#5 = Traction (bob soles or vibram like cleat soles)
#6 = Warmth
#7 = Water-proof
#8 = Warmth
#9 = Cost
#10 = Warmth
I mostly Hunt at higher elevations and this means COLD if NOT all day then for sure in the morning and in the evenings.
Your feet MUST stay warm or your "Hunting" will suffer.
I use Danner Elk Hunters.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy