I've owned Hondos, Justin, Chippewa, Double H, Dan Post, Tony Lamas, and others. Some with slick soles and most not. I've set horses with both. I understand the theory behind a slick sole and the preverbal hung up stirrup. I've been in a couple of wrecks and there were never issues. I don't put much stock in the slick sole theory. Ranching is 5 generations in my family, and most of the work is still done on a horse. When the ground work begins a slick sole boot is worthless for traction even in dry dirt.
If you're talking about riding in to a fishing or hunting camp, not doing ranch work day in and out on a ranch horse(s) with a myriad of attitudes. Get what is comfy and what will last. You're riding trail horses I presume? If that's the case and they are good stock then they are likely sound and solid. Most of the time if a horse is going to blow there are signs and you can take corrective action before you need to worry about getting hung up in a stirrup.
My go to boots are double H with some sort of rubber sole. "Ice" I believe was mentioned and that sounds correct. Stay away from gortex as they are hot. Buy the ones with a liner in the stove pipe if you can, because they absorb sweat. This makes them more comfortable than wet leather against your leg. I seal mine with sno-seal. Double H are US made.
