I'm surprised by your experience with them!
In my experience - and I have worn both as well - I find that my Simms Guideboots are just as good, if not better, in every situation I've been in. And they're way better for the hiking side of things because, 1. they're extremely light, and 2. the streamtread soles give you excellent traction on the dirt. No more "skiing" down the banks to the rivers for me..
As far as the algae covered boulders, I don't think any studless boot gives much traction on on those, they're an accident waiting to happen.