Well, if I'm going to tell you what to buy, I might as well tell you what not to buy. For years, I had a pair of L.L. Bean short boots with gum soles. When they died, I went looking for another pair. They changed the design, and don't offer them anymore
I bought a pair of Bass Pro short boots (cheap). I got what I paid for
They must not have much of an insole in them, because they hurt my feet after a day on the boat.
I bought a pair of the L.L.Bean duck boots, and they work very well. I wish they were a tad higher so when I hose down the boat, my feet didn't get wet
5th