Gore-tex hiking boots

[bnb]

I would really like to buy some waterproof lightweight hiking boots. The squishy sound of my shoes filled with water is an interesting sound, but I would prefer dry feet. I have read a few user comments about Gore-tex that indicate it is too hot for summer use. I thought Gore-tex was supposed to be “breathable”. Does anyone have any good advice on Gore-tex and/or a good material for waterproof spring/summer/fall hiking boots?

Thanks,

Ruth

[Cathunter]

Gore-Tex is breathable but not as much as common fabrics. I highly recommend footwear with Gore-Tex for keeping outside water out. The heat issue comes with the fact that most of the Gore-Tex boots are also insulated, which is uneeded during the warmer months.

Many present-day cross country hikers are wearing quality shoes and socks that drain water well and dry quickly. This is more useful for continuous outdoor use, as the Gore-Tex boots will not dry out once wet.

Check out http://www.montrail.com/

[bnb]

Funny that you should suggest the Montrail site. The shoe I’m interested in is the Montrail Storm GTX.

I’m puzzled by the comment “Gore-Tex boots will not dry out once wet.” I’m assuming you mean that it will take awhile, but they will eventually dry out. Or do you mean *never*?

The real life activity I want to improve is walking around in light to moderate rain for an entire day of geocaching. Last year my shoes would get soaked and not dry for days. I’d also like to be able to step in a slightly swampy area without squishing around the rest of the day.

So, is Gore-Tex not the answer? Is the answer multiple shoes and socks?

Thanks,

Ruth

[Cathunter]

quote:

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Originally posted by bnb:
I’m puzzled by the comment “Gore-Tex boots will not dry out once wet.” I’m assuming you mean that it will take awhile, but they will eventually dry out. Or do you mean *never*?

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I guess that was not very clear…. the Gore-Tex will slow the drying process greatly. If the boots get wet inside, it will take a fan blowing into them to get them dry anytime soon. If they get water inside on the first day of a week-long camping trip, they will most likely still be wet the day you head home.

If you avoid conditions that would cause water to run over the top of the boot, it’s not an issue. When there are rivers or swampland to be crossed, shoes that will drain and dry quickly are a better option.

[Flushingrouse]

I get a ton of mileage out of this product any time of year… Works awesome!!!
http://www.peetshoedryer.com/

Go with the gore-tex boots!! you won’t be sorry!!

~Bill

[wzbt03]

I would highly recommend Asolo Hiking boots.
Gore-tex and they don’t need a break in before a long hike first time in them.
They are on the high end of the price spectrum but well worth it.
REI carries them for around $200.
Guess it just depends on how often and in what conditions you decide to use them.

[river_rat]

asolo & montrail !! **WOO*WOO* my two favorite brands. Personally I perfer my Montrails though. Its mostly a personal preferance. If you’re going to buy higher end footwear deffinately at least visit a REI store and make use of there “test course”….It really made me feel better about spending more money for better boots.

[admin]

LOVE the GORE-TEX! I also have Asolo, and loved them until my tarsal tunnel didn’t. There was never a break-in period, and they were light. Narrow toebox though. I’m hoping to get back in them someday (or find a happy home for them). 6 1/2

Now I wear the pricey, but waterproof Birkenstock boot. Tim wears Solomon. We wouldn’t go hiking without them (unless we’re in the canyon.)

Gore-tex all the way!!

[bnb]

Thanks for the feedback!

I ordered a bunch of boots/shoes online tonight. I know that it isn’t the best way to order them, but there are some pretty good sale prices out there. I ordered some for me, spouse and son from places with liberal return policies.

Thanks again for giving me some confidence in my shopping decisions.

Ruth

[admin]

The socks and possibly sock liner are just as important as the boots. if you are looking for a great pair of socks for them, wigwam factory has a factory sale the second Thursday of the month in Sheboygan. I have gotten all my hunting socks there(no I don’t work there). the prices are about a third of the price($2-$5 a pair) that they are in the store ($8-$18) and they have all kinds of specialty socks and sock liners(some keep your feet cool, some warm, most are wicking socks). they even have “ingenuous” brand socks which have the liners built in.

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“A bad day of hunting is better than a good day at work”

[Author]

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