Flats booties work fine. I have waded in teva sandels with toes, they are the most confortable option but gravel can get in. Flats boots are fine but fine have a pretty soft bottom and don't work well on uneven footing or hiking to the stream. wading boots work the best for uneven and very slick conditions. I have never worn pants but they would help in spots I have to walk thru the swamp to get to the river. I think there is no better place to wet wade than michigan streams, the Ausable and Manistee in paticular.