Wearing gaiters at Cowles Bog is great idea. These inexpensive and lightweight boot covers work nicely to prevent sand getting in your shoes, especially at Indiana Dunes National Park. On a previous hike at the dunes, I initially started the trail without them. It didn't take long for little sand dunes to form inside my boots. Andrew wore them from the beginning and had no issues. After dumping out my boots and donning the gaiters, I didn't have any more trouble either. For the price, these are definitely worth it.