The issue is mainly that of bucking and having some protection in/over the boots worn in the variable conditions here (rain, freezing rain, and snow). Unfortunately, safety boots don't protect your whole foot, and certainly not the shins; they also have several other shortcomings (ie. HEAVY, especially in snow). Although safety boots are what I've been wearing up until now, these would be added protection, and a possible move to something less bulky and heavy so I don't have to carry the boots into the woods or leave them there.
In another thread I was considering something like those plate overshoes, but the same problem remains with amount of coverage. I did find combination foot and shin guards, but they are made of aluminum, so I don't know how much protection they actually give.
You are correct about the blunt trauma, and I think this is why timbersport competitors generally wear both the socks and the shin guards. I do have a pair of old muay thai shinpads so I could probably sew canvas and some steel onto those.
As for comfort and warmth, I wear really good wool socks so it shouldn't be an issue. And there's a company that sells chainmail socks for barefoot runners, many claim they are really good for your feet. But I'm not trying to play Cody Lundin, I won't be moving a long way in them.
Thanks for the suggestions though, I haven't arrived at any conclusions yet. Of course, there's also the possibility of just cutting twice at the top corners in any unsure situation. That would halve the power and basically keep the foot safe. Cutting footholds is another possibility which generally only takes a few swings.
