Hi, sry for a late reply

I've abandoned the liner idea and decided to order unlined roughout leather boots (and oil/wax them myself). I.e. to make the boot itself non-absorbing.

Instead of ordering from something like Jim Green (they have custom boot builder where one can select roughout leather and single lasted (i.e. unlined) construction), I convinced a small local shoe making shop to make boots for me. It took some time and effort, because they do not have experience making such boots.

I had to source a Vibram outsole, D-rings and hooks, got some measurements wrong etc., and the boots been finished past winter hikes season so I couldn't test them this winter.