are gortex socks worth it?

psy-ops

psy-ops

Joined
Sep 27, 1999
Messages
3,164
I recently got a gift card from REI and am thinking about pruchasing some of these any reports fromthe field?


Thanks

chris
 
I've got ones like that and some Seal Skinz. I've used both a bunch and love 'em. I prefer the Seal Skinz, I think that they just fit a bit better.

Dan
 
I had a pair of Seal Skin gloves...don't know where they went...but I don't remember them being breathable. I do know that Gore-Tex is breathable.

Burton
 
I have owned a pair by Seal Skinz and have used them several times. They actaually do breathe well. Give them a try. I have only used them in a cold wet environment, not a warm wet environment, but you should still get he same result.
 
I've used a pair from Sealskinz, a pair by Rocky and a pair by Cabelas. To tell you the truth, I didn't find them all that great. Good boots well maintained should be relatively waterproof and if they aren't enough you should use different boots like 15" wellies. I've tried to use them as a substitute for taller boots or neoprene, for canoeing and kayaking and they're no good for that.
I liked ones with a tight seal at the top but otherwise they're roughly the same, but I know there are some quite tall Candian military versions out there that might be a solution to the problem of seepage over the top.
 
so I am glad they are getting mostly good feedback.

I am not looking at them as a replacement for waterproof boots but keeping them in a day pack and in case of a down pour and I don't have waterproof boots with me I can exchange my socks to gortex.

plus I can where my tevas with them in the rain.


thanks
 
I use neporene sox, like Seal Skins (may be the same) with sandals for stream and lake travel- canoeing, boulder hopping, fishing. The neoprene acts like a wet suit to keep feet warmer. Goretex socks I have avoided. I like my goretex boots, but if I want to keep my feet dry, I don't want my boots soaked through too, because I don't want the weight.

I used to use plastic bags under running shoes- worked great. Vapor Barrier Liner technology that seemed to work.

Paul
 
I've never used this system, but this is what I believe happens:

The goretex sock system has improved no end in the last few years to the point the system works. Best types give good fit/comfortable and keeps most of the wet out. There is some moisture transfer so long as there is a generous airflow and the outer boots are not saturated. However, there are limitations like most things.

I think they can upgrade a basic style boot. Basic walking or military boot.

Down points are:
They don't last that long, and don't like being punctured or overly gunked out. Puncture and dirt will eventualy defeat the system.
They don't breath as fast as socks and leather, so don't wear them when the going gets hot.
It depends on how energetic you intend being. I would question their durability over extended use, ie: expedition use.
Sizing and boot fit may be harder to get right.
Price, it may be beter to buy a boot that has all the features already built in.

One place they might just be ideal for is for when one needs waterproofing to overcome the morning dew and then be able to change socks once the sun has risen and burnt it off.

I've known a few people try them but they have always reverted back to basics a year or so on. I'd also be interested if anyone has had such great success with them over years that they would swear by them.
 
thanks to all who posted.

it seems my money is better spent on other things.
it also seems like maybe carrying an extra pair of socks is cheaper and better.


if they were $10-15 bucks maybe it would be worth a try.
 
Well you voted them down, but I find mine to work well. I dont know they waterproof anything, because remember as soon as your body heat turns water to vapor it can pass both ways through gortex. But I found they are light, warm and mine were insulated. I wear a very thin polyproplene liner sock with them, just as with wool socks, and they are great. Makes an uninsulated boot as warm as a heavily insulated boot, without making you feel like a snowman. They keep your feet pretty darn dry as well if the boot gets wet. Neoprene socks, just make your feet soaking wet with persperation. Fine in certain enviorments, but not hiking or biking. Bought my gortex socks from cabelas by the way. I am sure the same company makes most all of them.
 
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