I hike in low shoes and shorts almost exclusively. Simple, stretchy, low gaiters keep my laces from snagging, socks clean, junk out of the shoes, ankles protected from scratchy brush.

I put Velcro on the backs of my shoes to match patches on the gaiters - which eliminates a cord or strap underneath. OR and REI have Spandura gaiters with Velcro closed fronts. Dirty Girl has simpler, lighter Spandex ones. The latter are extremely durable - they just slip on like socks and pull down over the shoes - no other opening. DIY gaiters of the same design made of bargain table scrap have lasted long past an AT thru-hike. Much better than OR which cratered half way thru another thru-hike.