I guess I should have asked what type of conditions will you be using them in. There are boots made for hunting the worst of conditions, cold, wet, deep snow, mud, swampy conditions, light weight quiet for archery hunting, it just depends what you need them for. I have various boots to meet various needs.
I have some Wolverines, and although they are extremely comfortable, I've never been able to get much wear from them before they begin leaking. I use them when I know I won't be in wet conditions.
I just bought a new pair of Cabela's Iron Ridge boots last week. They are definitely looking like a good boot. I put them on and walked 5 or 6 miles the first day, and they were so comfortable, I felt like I had been breaking them in for a year. They're not super expensive either.
As for water proof boots, if I can't stand in a tub full of water for 15 minutes and still have dry feet, they are not water proof.
GS