I have never owned a pair until this year, but I bought a pair of Keen's this summer (out of the bargain cave at Cabelas). I love them. Broke them in on a scouting trip in July, then took my 9 year old on a steep 12 mile hiking/fishing trip into the Wenaha in August. No blisters and they still are in great shape. Today is casual Friday at work and I have them on right now...
Regarding Gaiters, I bought a set of Kuiu's last season. Not really to keep water out (I live and hunt on the east side), but to keep the cheat grass, star thistle and burrs off me. I wear them almost religiously now. Just returned from a caribou hunting trip to Alaska and they kept my Kenetreks dry for all 5 days.