You didn't mention what type of footwear you'll be using but if it's low cut shoes consider these:

http://www.dirtygirlgaiters.com/

Light, simple, cheap. And best of all.....no strap under the bottom of the shoe to wear out. They work great. If the colors are too wild for you this guy makes essentially the same thing in subdued colors.

I chose the skull pattern myself <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

For snow or bushwhacking I use something heavier.

Edit: I just discovered that dirtygirl now actually makes gaiters in plain colors but still not black. Just scroll to the bottom of the pattern page.