For my money, the extra time spent finding the wading shoes, fretting about
gaiters and assembling things isnt worth it. (and they're usually too hot for me)
Stocking foots are more comfortable and possibly safer but I can be out
of the car, into boot foots and wet in a quarter of the time it
takes others to get dressed in stocking foots.
(and the same factor applies on the return trip)
If the trip involves a long hike, I plod the beach in a cheap pair of
Mr Rogers sneekers with the waders over my shoulder. It only takes a
second to suit up when you arrive. The sneekers stow just fine inside the waders above the belt and below the suspenders.