LookinforDirt
WKR
Hi all. Have been reading and searching but haven’t found consolidated information or a lengthy discussion on waterproof membranes in boots. It seems they hold up one or two years at best and then will leak. Also seems many agree boots with membranes run hot and make your feet sweat a lot more than boots without membranes. I know a pair of cheaper North Face hikers I have with GoreTex are very hot. GoreTex and others claim breathable but really how breathable are they? Compared to rubber, sure. But enough to allow feet not to sweat or dry quickly once the activity slows down?
So the question is if the membrane breaks down within a couple years and are no longer waterproof, and the membrane makes a boot run hot and your foot sweat more, why get a boot with a membrane at all? Just get non-waterproof, wax them, run gaiters, and don’t expect miracles. Note, I hunt and hike in hot to mild temps so I’m really not looking for anything extra to keep my feet warm. And would like as breathable a mountain boot as possible but still stiff soled, sturdy, and rugged.
So the question is if the membrane breaks down within a couple years and are no longer waterproof, and the membrane makes a boot run hot and your foot sweat more, why get a boot with a membrane at all? Just get non-waterproof, wax them, run gaiters, and don’t expect miracles. Note, I hunt and hike in hot to mild temps so I’m really not looking for anything extra to keep my feet warm. And would like as breathable a mountain boot as possible but still stiff soled, sturdy, and rugged.
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