I have started wearing gaiters with my boots and find they help keep my feet and the bottoms of my trousers dry.
Yes I get the wet trouser leg thing aswell.
Usually don't notice it much in the warmer months but as it is colder now they still stay damp.
I will be digging out my waterproof trousers soon.
As for footwear im wearing Caterpillar boots. Seem ok, no wet feet.