I was always taught that if you had to cross a river while hunting or hiking, you should ether find a safe, dry place to cross, or remove your shoes and socks when its time to cross, otherwise you have to build a fire and dry off your footwear.
It seemed like in the movie, even during non life or death situations, such as the intro, they would often trudge around in rivers or pools of water with their shoes still on.
Interesting--I was taught to take off socks but put the boots back on so you don't cut your feet on a rock or stick you can't see.
I wonder if the historical perspective was any more uniform than it apparently is now?