Well, I was able to try out the Spec-Ops Safari gaiters. The material does't look waterproof, but they kept my socks dry in wet grass, and kept the beggar"s lice and other hitchhikers out. The bottom edges are not elasticized, so ticks could have access to the boot tops. The snap strap that connects to a shoelace to hold them down is difficult to slide under a tight boot lace: would be real tough with cold hands.So I will probably replace it with a lace hook, like I did for the old Sitka Flash gaiters.
The Swazi Hush Puttys just arrived. Will try them out and let you know.