Question:
The question I have about Gore-Tex boot liners, is that while it may keep your
feet dry (I've never worn any, but I'll believe it) having the waterproof layer
on the interior of the boots means that all the leather layers on the outside
of the boot are free to absorb water - doesn't this make the boots really
heavy when they get wet? I know when my SnoSealed leather boots finally do get
wet, they also get really heavy. Anyone notice this with your Gore-tex boots?
Answer:
My biggest problem with Gore boots, is that the entire idea of Gore is to
provide a membrane that will allow vapour to pass out, but not water to pass
in. The parameters for this, is that the body generating the vapour is
undergoing _moderate_ exertion, and that the fabric the Gore is bonded to
will accept the moisture to be evaporated into the air, and that the fabric
is _CLEAN_ or it won't work. The breathability of the Gore garment is a
function of the breathability of the shell fabric. Leather is no known for
its breathability, therfore, the boots in turn won't breathe. Same casr if
the boots are dirty. Gore only works on clean mediums. The dirt gets into
the pores of the membrane and clogs it...no breathing. So, under normal boot
conditions, 50% of the idea of Goretex...its vapour release dosn't work.
The other 50% is the waterproofing. If you consider that two boots
constructed of the same basic parts and construction will cost the same to
make. Make the boots equal on all counts except that one has Gore in 'em.
Now...working on the assumption that the Gore won't breathe, you basically
have a waterproofing system in the Gore boot that costes you considerably
more than the plain boot with a waterproof sealant.
So, what it boils down to, is that you end up paying through the nose for
boots that you really shouldn't treat, and that the leather will fall apart
on. I just don't see the point.
