Gore-Tex (gortex) is a membrane in the form of the thinnest PTFE film with micropores. Its holes are so small that they do not get clogged with dirt, serve as a water barrier, but allow water vapor to pass through. It is designed to prevent your feet from sweating and freezing.
Membrane shoes GORE-TEX breathe and do not get wet. It maintains a comfortable foot microclimate in sweltering heat and chilly slush. Even when you have to walk ankle-deep in water.
Unlike regular shoes, the membrane does not allow moisture to pass from the outside and sweat out of the inside. Therefore, there is no cold dampness in the feet.
- The pores of the GORE-TEX membrane are seven hundred times larger than water molecules.
- There are 1.4 billion cells per cm². They do not allow moisture to pass through, because 20 thousand times less than a drop of water.
Trekking boots or sneakers?
When choosing tracks, pay attention to the type of Gortex membrane.
There are three types of GORE-TEX membrane.
| GORE-TEX | Appointment | Features of the |
| Extended Comfort | For warm weather. | No thermal insulation. It removes heat well, creates an optimal microclimate for the legs. |
| Performance Comfort | For demi-season conditions. | Provides long-term protection from moisture and a suitable microclimate for the feet. Ideal for active walking in changeable weather. |
| Insulated Comfort | For low temperatures. | Combines waterproofness, breathability and thermal insulation. Thermal lining keeps water out and sweat out. |
How to care for membrane shoes
New trekking boots are treated with water-repellent impregnation. Water runs off the surface, and the shoes themselves do not get wet. But over time, the effect of moisture protection weakens.
Photo from the site: www.gorgany.com
So it's time to renew the water-repellent layer! Before that you need:
- choose a suitable impregnation;
- clean your shoes;
- apply water repellent evenly;
- dry the tracks properly so as not to damage the properties of the membrane.
How to soak your shoes so as not to get wet
Not all impregnations are suitable for treating shoes with Gore-Tex or other types of membranes. The wrong product will seal the pores, so look for products labeled "For Membrane."
Means for treating the membrane come in the form of a cream or spray.
- Impregnation (Salamander, Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proo, Hydrobloc Conditioner) coats the membrane fibers and maintains water resistance and breathability.
- Special ingredients soften the skin and repel dirt. Feet dry, shoes do not crack.
- Water-repellent protection prevents salt stains.
- Suitable for leather and textiles.
I have been using Hey Sport Active Polish for almost four years. Result: the soles are already wearing off in the boots, but the leather still looks and works great!
How to clean Gortex shoes
- Remove the laces from the tracks to freely reach the "tongue". Remove the insole.
- Clean the dirt with a damp brush or sponge under running water.
- Shake the product and apply to a damp shoe. Carefully process the seams and joints with the sole.
How to dry membrane shoes
No batteries, heaters or electric shoe dryers! Hot air kills the membrane. Under the influence of scorching streams, it collapses and loses its properties.
Gore-Tex boots are dried indoors at room temperature or in the shade outside. I advise you to fill them with paper so that it absorbs moisture from the inside.
To keep the water-repellent effect of Gore-Tex longer, I advise you to store your boots in a living room with a normal room temperature - 18-25 ° C. Do not keep shoes in attics, basements and garages without heating, where temperature and humidity change frequently.
Useful article: "Gore-Tex membrane - why clothes cost 2 times more"
Watch a video about Gortex technology in shoes
