Gor-Ten or NO?

[Kingmob3]

I have been looking at a new pair of boots(Lowa's) however have hit a bump in ordering them: Gor-Tex or not? Its a great material, however Ive goten a pair of good Gor-Tex boots wet above the top and they turned into buckets. The version I am looking at has a full leather upper. Any reccomendations on geting Gor-Tex or not?

thanks

KM3

[JCYC5]

Any boot, goretex or not, waterproof or not, will "flood" if your foot is in water above the boot level...

 

I wold say get the Goretex liner if you can afford it. It would do no harm and is only more "insurance" against wet feet.

[The Waco Kid]

JCYC5 pretty much said it all really. Buy the best you can afford, I happen to think goretex lined boots aren't much better than non-goretex, but that's just my experience. Goretex won't particularly help an all ready soaking boot dry quicker. Use newspaper or dampire for that.

[M0ldyM!LK]

Pretty much says it all really. Buy the best you can afford, I happen to think goretex lined boots aren't much better than non-goretex, but that's just my experience. Goretex won't particularly help an all ready soaking boot dry quicker. Use newspaper or dampire for that.

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They aren't if you polish your boots properly.

 

I've been taught to polish boots not only because it makes them look nicer (hooray inspection :S), but it makes the boot last longer, and waterproofs it to an extent. It won't hold up to standing in a swamp, but if you're roaming around in the field during/after a rain, it helps a lot. Gor-Tex is just a lot warmer, to me at least.

 

Anyways, this is why you pack extra socks

[toyboy]

I can't say whether the gore-tex actually helps, because the Lowa's aren't available without it, but I have a pair of their combat boots, and find them fantastic. I also use them as walking boots, and they managed ten tors (walking 50 miles over 2 days, throughout marshland for a lot of it) just fine, and I didn't get a single blister either.

Highly recommended.

 

Graham

[Diemaco]

Gore-tex FTW. I have had Sympatex boot in the past and they are poo, to put it nicely. I have two pairs of Gore-Tex boots and I have never been cold, had a blister or had wet feet.

[Kingmob3]

Thanks for the information and oppinions. The difference of cost at this point is not a problem, given what I am spending on these.

KM3

[Hokus Pokus]

I think Diemaco's post is a bit misleading as blistering and keeping your feet warm is individual to the boot and neither is really affected by the presence or lack of Goretex, but I agree with him in recommending that you do go with something lined with Gortex.

 

Goretex works, and it works well. The waterproofing chemical does, however, wear off after a time (how long that is, I have no idea, but I haven't seen it in my service) but this can be fixed by retreating the Goretex-treated surface.

[ferretkiller]

I think Diemaco's post is a bit misleading as blistering and keeping your feet warm is individual to the boot and neither is really affected by the presence or lack of Goretex, but I agree with him in recommending that you do go with something lined with Gortex.

 

Goretex works, and it works well. The waterproofing chemical does, however, wear off after a time (how long that is, I have no idea, but I haven't seen it in my service) but this can be fixed by retreating the Goretex-treated surface.

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I have a pair of Goretex boots. They are great. However as you have seen above the boot line they will flood. This can only be prevented but making a tight seal between your leg and the boot. That is practically impossible. However i also have a pair or goretex socks that work great. They are still Great but will flood. I picked up a pair from Cabelas for under 30 bucks i think. Those may help you keep the cost down. They can get hot but they work well at kepping you feet dry.

[The Waco Kid]

Probably teaching you to suck eggs but. If you're spending a small fortune on a pair of boots remember to get some decent dubbin/reproofer like the various nikwax products, there are specific ones for gore-tex.

 

The best walking boots I've ever had are my Lowa mountains. They have out lasted & been more comfortable then my previous Salmon, Zambalan & Berghaus ones. I've only ever had minor pressure saws from very long days with to much kit in my bergen. Well worth the money.

 

I must say the only thing I've noticed with regard to goretex/non goretex is that they seem warmer, too warm at times. The chap in my local boot store just puts it down to personal preference & how you look after the boots (& your feet).

 

If you are really worried about water/muck getting in your boots you could get some "Yeti" type gaiters (more cash though). I find any type of gaiter a bit warm to be honest. I do carry goretex socks or boot liners but again I find them too warm to wear continually.

 

Mind you I once walked accross the nambian desert in a pair of brand new Hitec WP 900s and they were fine, turned red/brown though....