Gore-tex and Gore-tex XCR lined boots continues to dominate the waterproof hiking boot market. Other waterproof-labeled boots my manufacturers and retailers are typically lower cost aternatives. I haven't stayed curretn on the topic but a while back, there were opponents to goret-ex in footwear. I recall the claim that dirt ultimately clogs the pores of this material and drastically hampers breathability. Yet, years later Gore-tex dominates. Is there anything new on this debate and topic?
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I don't know, but my Gore-Tex boots are five years old, well worn and still keep my feet dry and breathe well.
Does that help?"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. Johnson -
a good three layer goretex fabric has a layer of liner fabric to protect the waterproof membrane. with all the other layers of fabric in a shoe, i doubt much dirt is getting to that membrane.He found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains that he had never seen came into his dreams.Comment
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The problem here is what you and I think are clean, is not clean to Goretex fabric. The dirt that affects gortex, is impossible to see with the naked eye.
I still am using one garment that sports 1st generation gortex.
Though I do have the new stuff too.
"Every piece of venison I eat reminds me of my forefathers and the joy the whitetail brought to them"
-- Adkhunter
Adkhunter Reflective Arrow Wraps
Rockclimbing.com NY Route EditorComment
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I had a goretex rain jacket that didn't like salt water. I think the salt acted as a solvent for the water to pass thru.Does perspiration act the same eventually?
Would washing the goretex remove the offending dirt? You could rinse the boots out with water,soap?Be careful, don't spread invasive species!!
When a dog runs at you,whistle for him.
Henry David Thoreau
CL50-#23Comment
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Sure washing does remove much of the dirt yet there is great reason why gortex is the backer to many fabrics. The outer layer is the "dirt catcher". If that outer layer is not taken care of and dirt (particle size and type are factors though) is allowed to constantly come into contact with the gortex it degrades it significantly.
To help prevent this from happening be sure to wash your garment and boots well. No, detergent is not needed to remove much of the dirt. Dilution IS the solition."Every piece of venison I eat reminds me of my forefathers and the joy the whitetail brought to them"
-- Adkhunter
Adkhunter Reflective Arrow Wraps
Rockclimbing.com NY Route EditorComment
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IMHO, it isn't dirt or salt water that is the issue with goretex boots. I just happen to think that the breathability of goretex in a boot is over-sold. There's just no way that a truly waterproof boot, especially a full leather boot with a goretex lining, can breathe enough to keep perspiration from building up inside the boot. The leather itself provides a significant breathability barrier.
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I have to disagree here. My metabolism causes me to perspire profusely (Say that three times quickly!). To such an extent that one of my biggest problems was feet that were always damp or wet. I would take my boots off after a day of hiking and my feet with be wrinkled from being moist all day, even with a good wicking sock like polypro.IMHO, it isn't dirt or salt water that is the issue with goretex boots. I just happen to think that the breathability of goretex in a boot is over-sold. There's just no way that a truly waterproof boot, especially a full leather boot with a goretex lining, can breathe enough to keep perspiration from building up inside the boot. The leather itself provides a significant breathability barrier.
Gore-Tex© changed all that for me. Now my feet stay dry and I'm much more comfortable.
So, from experience, I feel a major league difference with Gore-Tex© boots."If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. JohnsonComment
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Well said. Talk to the Gore company and they will tell you the same. Well, they might depending on who you talk to.
The sno-seal that we all love truely inhibits any breathability that the leather may have. That is how it works so well!
"Every piece of venison I eat reminds me of my forefathers and the joy the whitetail brought to them"
-- Adkhunter
Adkhunter Reflective Arrow Wraps
Rockclimbing.com NY Route EditorComment
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I guess My feet just sweat more than even yours, because I still cant keep them from sweating in ANY boot, be it goretex lined leather, rubber, hiking sneakers, even golf shoes. I have just come to accept it and wear wicking socks. The gore tex doesnt leak water in, but my feet are still damp, even if I dont step in any water. So I usually do wear leather insulated gore tex boots for hunting , and uninsulated goretex hikers for hiking, But for me, they don't breathe enough
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"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. JohnsonComment
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what are "wicking" socks?Comment
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"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. JohnsonComment
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