Hello,
First BWCA trip in decades (4 days, setting off at Brule) and trying to avoid wet feet as best I can based on the average temps. I have Muck boots that I basically live in during hunting seasons and have done a fair amount of hiking in them. I also see waterproof socks like Sealskinz. I don't have any fantasies that I will be completely dry, just trying to address the challenge if I can. Looking for input from anyone that has used either and the pros/cons of their experience. Thanks in advance.

I had similar thoughts for an early season trip and got a set of the Sealskinz - the knee length cold weather version. Wanting to be confident in their claims, I tried them out twice paddling at a local spot, even stood in the water for 5 minutes each time and wow - no leaks, dry feet! Well so much for confidence and wow.... the second day into that spring trip I had wet feet. Fortunately, the weather and water were warmer than expected and I changed over to just wet footing with wool socks from then on out. I promptly returned them when I got back. In my experience, they were a total failure and not worth it. Had that happened on day 30, I might have had a different opinion. YMMV

pd

I too seem to put my muck boots on in October and take them off in January. This includes a 2-4 day BWCA trip mid to late October.
Socks become the key (in my opinion) as you are bound to overtop the boot at some time. Maybe not this trip or the next, but it will happen.
I use a synthetic boot sock a fair amount of the time and have some merino wool socks as backups and for evening wear.

I also try to get some camp shoe time in during the late afternoon, as the temps drop off feet get cold in the camp shoes, and the boots go back on.

Yep, I have Dryshod Boots (muck boots) for the shoulder seasons, or when the water is chilly. Tried SealSkins once and while they keep the water out, and effectively keep my sweat in, so I still end up clammy. So Dryshod Boots with wool socks for me.

I used Muck Wetlands in Mid October Did the Horse lake loop. Feet stayed dry the entire time. Portaged fine even on a mile longer.

Another fan of Muck boots here. I’ve been using them for October and May trips for 15 years. I’ve only had water go over the top a couple of times and my feet still stayed warm and I was able to then dry them out at camp.

Highly recommend the NRS Boundary Wetshoe. Used these on a cold early October trip in 2019. (The older model is slightly different, but the neoprene function is the same) These boots stay warm even if they get flooded out, which mine did.

If you're buying go Dryshod over Muck boots- Much longer life span for the same amount of money.

I hate wet feet, especially in cool weather. I put up with it in June, July, August warm weather, but hate wet feet when colder. I’ve used tall rubber boots ( cheapest from Fleetfarm) many trips in early spring and fall and have been very happy with them. Only rarely have I had to step into deeper water and get soaked. Mostly I am dry. Sometimes you have to work a little harder to get the right landing spot, but it can be done.

Muck or similar high top boots have worked well for me. Caution is required when entering and exiting the canoe. Should water enter them I can quickly dump the water, wring my socks and continue on in reasonable comfort.

During shoulder seasons my wife wears knee high boots and her feet have remained dry. She paddles in the bow position and we make an effort to allow her to enter and exit the canoe in shallow water. In most situations my feet have also remained dry using similar boots and caution but I now choose to wear lightweight hip waders. They allow me to enter deeper water which has proven to be convenient and time saving. I roll the waders down onto the boot tops while paddling and portaging and I extend them to my hip when entering the water. I hold the leggings in both the up and down positions with elastic quick release straps.