I'm with Mike B. on the hip boots....I always cut the knee straps out, clear to the inside rubber. And I remove the hip straps as well. I've gotten wet more than a couple of times by not noticing that a boot has slipped down a bit, but it's a small price to pay. I also buy my boots a size too big. I have never needed to kick them off, but I will be ready if the need arises.