![]() ![]() My Change of HeartĪs a GORE-TEX skeptic myself, I've always expected my feet to get soaked while running through snow, slush, or mud. While this theory is valid, insofar as you avoid the most extreme wet conditions (don't try and swim with your GORE-TEX shoes on), expect your feet to stay dry. If you have particularly sweaty feet, under normal circumstances, waterproof materials might add to any trapped moisture issues that you might already have.Īnother argument that skeptics commonly point to is that, without a high-rise trail shoe (a shoe with a tall neck), moisture will inevitably seep into your shoe from the top, trapping those large water molecules into the collar and into your socks, which often means they'll remain wet for the rest of the run. While this isn't an issue for some runners, it does call into question whether or not this style of shoe is ideal in moderate temperatures. ![]() One of the reasons athletes raise their eyebrows at GORE-TEX shoes is because their membranes still tend to trap heat from the interior, which can result in sweaty or moist feet. Common Arguments For Why GORE-TEX Doesn't Work Road and trail running shoes with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit product technology have the same fit comfort as the non-GTX equivalent, a 20 percent reduction in weight, 30 percent reduction in water pickup, and 50 percent improvement in dry out time," said Kirk Christensen, GOR-TEX's Global Product Specialist. "GORE-TEX Invisible Fit footwear was developed as a solution to the common concerns (and misperceptions) consumers have about waterproof shoes. Compared to alternative technologies, this one is also lighter, picks up less water, and improves dry times. The result is maximum waterproof capabilities with a standard-feeling shoe. This particular style of GORE-TEX is bonded to footwear uppers instead of being applied as a subsequent layer. However, the size of vapor molecules that your body releases is smaller than most external water droplets, which means, in theory, that it could escape from the fabric.Īccording to GORE-TEX, the most popular technology that the brand uses in trail runners is its Invisible Fit Technology because it provides runners with the same feel that a non-waterproof shoe would have, while still implementing waterproof technology. The manufacturer of the fabric claims that the holes are so small that they cannot be permeated by water, which is bigger than the size of the hole. The essence of this fabric, being one of the most waterproof options, relates to these hole sizes. GORE-TEX (often referred to as GTX) is made with an ePTFE fabric (a material that is based on teflon, to make you as non-stick as your skillet!) that is stretched after it is manufactured in order to create millions of miniscule holes per inch. RELATED: Why You Should Train Outdoors Year-Round (Yes, Even When it's Freezing) What Even Is GORE-TEX, Anyways? Does wearing GORE-TEX or a similar fabric actually make a difference in moderately wet conditions? Do the insulative qualities work with us or against us? If you choose a GORE-TEX trail shoe, will you still retain moisture in your shoes, and would it be better to wear a shoe that dries fast, or that repels water efficiently? ![]()
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