Questions About Gortex Boots,,got a Problem!!

Normark

Normark

Joined
Nov 7, 1999
Messages
6,651
Hey Guys...

I've got a pair of Rocky boots,, Prowlers or something or other that are Gortex..
I've had them now for a couple of years,, and although I've worn them quite a bite,, I've never really got them dirty or wet...

A couple of weeks ago black bear hunting I wore them in the rain, and tracked with them through wet foilage,, however they never got submerged in water...

I was quite shocked that my feet were wet in them...

I thought Gortex was waterproof ????

Now I could understand if they were wet because I was standing in water or something,, but just sitting in the rain and walking through wet weeds and such,, I don't quite understand that....

Did I miss something ??

Can someone fill me in if this is normal..

Should I waterproof them with some Sno Seal ??

Any help would be Much appreciated...

Thanks

Eric
O/ST
 
how wet?

just out of curiousity... let's try to diagnose your problem by filtering out the simple stuff... is it possible they were wet cause you were sweating? goretex may have a problem "breathing" sometimes if it's clogged up with dirt, mud, or boot polish (or mink oil).

because, you're right, goretex is supposed to be fairly waterproof. the idea behind it is the material is like ultra-fine, such that the threads are porous enough for airflow, but not porous enough for water to pass through. but if you get it all clogged up, then there's no airflow, and your sweat builds up inside.

or, it could be your brand. i'm not much of a footwear expert, but if 'rocky' boots aren't quality, then that could be your problem. that is to say, just because your boots are made of goretex doesn't mean 'rocky' used it correctly (leaky stitching, gaps in material, holes, etc.).

or maybe it was just wetter outside than you thought it was? a lot of water can seep into your boots from the opening-- it's not sealed to your ankles you know. ;)


i've spent a fair amount of time thinking about this-- i'm in the snow a lot with my goretex danners on, and after a long day in the field, i'm always fairly upset (but not surprised) to find my feet fairly soaked through. to it's credit, goretex & danner keep my feet dry and warm for probably 5-6 hours... but after that, it's just too wet and too cold outside for it to handle you know?

hope your footwear works out for you in the end!
 
i know it's a bitch but...

consider your alternatives before blaming the footwear. pay close attention to quality socks, and more importantly, changing them often. if you're going to out in the suck all day, change out at least once every 6-8 hours with a pair of clean, dry socks. rotate your supply, if necessary.
 
Hey Midget....

Ok,, well your post has got me thinking..
Possibly I'm Expecting WAY too much from them...
In all honesty I did sit in my treestand in a steady rain for about 5-6 hours,,and now that I think about it,, I didn't have rain pants on,, so LMAO..

What probably happened is the water ran down my legs and right into the boots...

I forgot about that LOL.
The next day is what I was bitching about,, however they were waterlogged from the day before....

LMAO.. What a Dumb ass....

I'll have to water test them on a dry day!!!!

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
They are "waterproof" in similar way as wrist watches (you know how they say "50m" etc.) - but here in terms of "height of water column" - thing is that this means how much pressure (created by water) they can whitstand while being waterproof.
But if you have make enough pressure on certain point (e.g. bending elbow, knee etc.) it increases pressure high enough to let the water through.
 
I have a set of Gore-Tex light hikers that I used extensively in wet and dry and never had a problem, but I kept the ballistic nylon and leather outers well cared for so as not to have crud getting to the Gore-Tex. However, I watched a Boy Scout with a brand new pair of Gore-Tex boots place them very near to a fire to dry the outside of them. I suggested that he move them and he paid me no attention. He paid the price when he found that the Gore-Tex had all shrivelled up inside the boots and ceased to work. DO NOT GET GORE-TEX TOO NEAR TO A HEAT SOURCE!

On the other hand, I had a very early Gore-Tex rain anorak that would always leave me wet as Hell because I sweated so much inside of it and there was no liner to wick away the sweat and allow it to evaporate through the Gore-Tex film. The anorak consisted of a nylon shell with the Gore-Tex bound to the inside of it. In any case, the swweat would condense on the inside of the anorak and leave me as wet as if I had not worn rain gear.
 
A point of interest that many do not know is that Gore-Tex is actually Teflon that has been stretched out. Good stuff.
 
Hi All-

The real strength of Gore-Tex lined boots and shoes is hiking through puddles and things like that. It won't do for standing in water for hours on end for things like fishing, but quick exposure and the water will run right off! I consistently choose boots, light hikers, and trail runners lined in this fabric for that benefit.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Gortex boots are simply amazing. Quick plunges into streams, whatever, totally dry.

I had a pair of Merrels that I quite simply wore out. I had them resoled, new insoles twice, etc. Then they started leaking. I figgured, sweet, I'll just call Gore-Tex and get a new pair of boots. But no, if you read your "lifetime" gaurentee, you'll notice they are infact only garunteed for a year. Caveat Empator.
 
I have a couple pairs of gortex shoes/boots. My merrel chamelion 2 and a pair of matterhorn 10" with composite toe. Both work great for what they were designed for. The matterhorns are about the best combat boots I have ever owned. I have had hem for a little over 2 years and have just about worn the soles completely off. They keep my feet dry as long as water doesn't get up over the tops, but I normally wear seal skinz waterproof socks if I know I will be standing in water for a while. I the summer I change my socks often and have never had a complaint. I do notice that sometimes, especially in the summer months, that although my feet are dry the insides of the boots are damp. They dry out quickly over night. The merrells are also great shoes I don't stand water with them simply because they are low cut and water would find its way in through the tops. I wear them for moutain biking, hiking and just about everyday wear outside of uniform,again I don't think you could go wrong witht these either. Just my opinion though....
 
There's always the L.L.Bean or Sorel's rubber bottomed boots & shoes. Insulated L.L.Bean's got me through a lot of ice-cold slushy New York streets.
 
Have any of you guys tried Sno-Seal, it's always worked great for me, I use it on all of my "outdoor" boots, gore-tex or not and have never gotten wet feet. The also make a product for sealing broken seams if that is the cause of water getting in you boot. Sno-seal may be the solution to the problem with those Rocky boots. Goretex is great stuff but it is no better than the boot/sock combo will let it be, and if it gets damaged by heat or punctured it becomes useless. Clean your boots well, sno-seal them and wear Smartwool socks and see if that helps (it should).
 
For some reason, Timberland is pretty bad in this aspect. Dad was mopping and it leaked via the seal
 
Hi GarageBoy-

Timberland used to be a respected outdoor company. They are now primarily focused on the fashion, urban, and hip-hop market segments. Ultimate product performance is not crucial to them at this time.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
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