Waterproof & Gore-Tex Schuhe, Boots und Sneaker | ECCO® (2024)

FAQs

Are GORE-TEX boots really waterproof? ›

What is Gore-Tex in Shoes and how does it work? Gore-Tex is a waterproof and breathable membrane, which can be integrated into the layers of a shoe.

Even in good conditions, Gore-Tex doesn't allow sweat to pass through faster than you produce it, especially when you're exerting yourself. This is especially true for your feet, which are the second sweatiest part of your body after your armpits.

GORE-TEX shoes come with a water-repellent finish when you buy them. It is therefore not necessary to impregnate a new shoe.

The most likely reason for waterproof boots to get wet inside is due to poor-quality manufacture or materials. If your boots haven't been regularly treated to ensure they remain waterproof, they'll lose the ability to keep out moisture over time.

These provide varying degrees of waterproof reliability but none offer the unique properties of GORE-TEX. You may get 100% protection with a standard vinyl waterproof, but with GORE-TEX you get something that is much more geared towards practicality and an active lifestyle.

If your Gore-Tex clothing is properly cared for, it should remain waterproof for 3-5 years. It can easily last for ten years or more if you store it properly and don't wear it that much. Of course, with regular active use, friction and heat can cause the DWR to break down more quickly.

Waterproof boots are less breathable, which makes your feet sweat more, and makes it harder for sweat (and any other unwelcome water) to evaporate. In other words, wet feet – for the long haul, because non-breathable boots take longer to dry.

If you read through this post, you already know the answer: No matter whether you used some waterproof treatment or not, GORE-TEX shoes are completely waterproof. The membrane does not get worn off, even when you wear the shoes on a regular basis.

Gore-tex can get pretty funky easily because it doesn't breathe. Gore-tex boots are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and most people's feet sweat more in them than other footwear, which only worsens the problem. Foot odor comes from bacteria that we all have on our feet.

If the inside of your GORE-TEX® garment feels damp, a leak could be the problem, or it could be time to renew the durable water-repellent (DWR) waterproofing. As the waterproofing on the outer material starts to wear off with increasing garment age, leaks can develop, particularly in the shoulder and upper back areas.

Is GORE-TEX permanently waterproof? ›

This is a durable feature of GORE‑TEX garments. The job of the water repellent is to ensure that water rolls off the outermost fabric layer. The water repellent is not permanent. It needs good care, and restoring from time to time.

Because almost all hiking boots are factory-treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, new boots rarely require treatment out of the box. But that finish will eventually wear off and need replacing.

Beeswax, mink oil or coconut oils are all great options when it comes to waterproofing your shoes. First, ensure your shoes are clean and thoroughly dry. Then, apply a thin, even layer of your chosen oil to the shoe's surface, paying extra attention to seams and stitching.

Waterproofness, windproofness and breathability. Every product in the original GORE‑TEX products range is waterproof, windproof, and breathable and many come with additional benefits. Select the product that best supports your active lifestyle by visiting the original GORE‑TEX products range page on our website.

The drawbacks of Gore-Tex are that it is expensive and can be difficult to care for. It is important to wash Gore-Tex garments carefully, using a special detergent, and to make sure that they are completely dry before storing them away.

Gore-tex will stay wet for days. Especially if it's rainy and you will be crossing streams, your feet are going to get wet. The issue then becomes what will dry out faster.

GORE-TEX's website states the following: 'Each square inch of the GORE‑TEX membrane has nine billion pores. Each of these tiny holes is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. This is what makes the membrane in everything in the original GORE-TEX products range waterproof: rain and snow simply cannot get in.