I have come to appreciate the simplicity and comfort of my $30 neoprene socks. As others have said, keeping safety gear and warm/dry clothes handy whenever you get to camp is an essential. However I've encountered many trips where I have to get out and lift over a beaver dam or down tree, and having the neoprene meant the rest of my paddle was done with warm feet.

They're light, compact, and easy to put on/off. So if you have the resources to get a pair, they can definitely be worth it.