Everything You Need to Know About Gore-Tex Shoes
Our customers love Gore-Tex shoes and in our experience, they are more than just another waterproof shoe. It’s a fantastic technology and can only be found in a selection of premium-quality products and brands.
Begg Shoes is based in Scotland, where we have lovely scenery but lots of unpredictable weather. Independently run for over 150 years, we have a wealth of experience with the biggest brands in footwear. One of our most popular product ranges has been Gore-Tex shoes and we have written this guide to explain what they are, why they are popular and how you should look after them.
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. In the footwear trade, waterproof lined shoes are sometimes referred to as ‘fully bagged’ because you have a waterproof bag surrounding your foot. A simple plastic bag would be capable of keeping your foot dry, a bit like a welly boot, however, what makes Gore-Tex special is the breathability. By allowing water vapour from sweat to escape the shoe, footwear can be worn for longer periods and sports or hiking for example, with relative comfort.
Whether you’re sitting at a desk, running errands or working outside, Gore-Tex shoes perform better than many other waterproof alternatives. Keeping your feet dry is key to conserving warmth and comfort. As a lot of the moisture around the foot can come from sweat, the breathable Gore-Tex membrane ensures sweat molecules can escape.
The waterproof bag around your foot represents one of the layers in construction, between your foot and the upper material. It is a common misconception that waterproof shoes rely on a surface treatment to help repel water – many of them do. However, it is the waterproof membrane that keeps water from entering through stitching holes for example. A layer of Durable Water Repellent (DWR) will be applied to the outside of shoes to help displace surface water – but this often rubs off after a period of wear.
Are Gore-Tex Shoes Worth It?
Yes. From our experience in stores over many years, we have found that Gore-Tex products are usually an excellent choice. The Gore-Tex brand name is closely guarded and only the top shoemakers in the world use the material (and the branding). This means that regardless of the performance of the Gore fabric within – very often the footwear wrapped around Gore-Tex is a higher performing design anyway.
In terms of the performance of the Gore-Tex lining within footwear – we have encountered many cheaper alternatives over the years. Many products can rival Gore for pure waterproofing, however it is the breathability which justifies the higher price. Provided the shoes fit well and the price range is appropriate to their needs – our teams in stores champion Gore-Tex products with confidence, knowing that our customers will generally get more comfort and enjoyment from them.
How Do You Maintain Gore-Tex Shoes?
1. Keep them clean
Remove dirt and clean the upper with a cloth or brush and lukewarm water. Depending on the upper material which can be found on the care label, a special leather treatment may be recommended. Shake out any sand, gravel and dirt from inside the footwear, and brush off any dirt on the sole units. Remove the insoles in your shoes, if you can, and then wash them separately.
2. Gently dry your shoes
Dry your shoes naturally at moderate temperatures, and avoid direct heat which can be damaging to upper materials such as leather. Resist the temptation to put your boots next to a hot radiator, for example, they will bake to a crisp but this is bad for leather uppers. Convection-style boot dryers work well as these will circulate air internally and dry quickly but gently.
3. Treat the upper
Follow the footwear manufacturer’s instructions for treating the external fabric and leather. Remember that the waterproof and breathable lining in the product must also be able to breathe through any treatment that you apply to the out material. For example, applying a heavy wax polish or dubbin to a Gore-Tex product will in all likelihood prevent the product from breathing naturally and negate some of the benefits of the waterproof lining.
4. Remove stains
Follow the footwear manufacturer’s instructions, which will vary depending on the upper materials. Typically a warm, wet cloth is the most material-appropriate solution but you may find a cleaning product for leather, for example, can speed up the process and give better results.
Which Shoe Brands Offer Gore-Tex?
LEGERO
Austrian shoe brand Legero aims to make shoes to match their tagline “my feet’s favourite shoe”. They make waterproof shoes with the Gore-Tex technology to suit any season, from waterproof trainers for spring and summer to waterproof boots for autumn and winter. Not only do they use leather but even their suede shoes and boots contain Gore-Tex so you don’t have to compromise on style even in extreme weather.
ECCO
Danish shoe brand Ecco has been making shoes since 1963 and applying the Gore-Tex technology to both their women’s and men’s shoes. While they strive to create unique products, technology such as Gore-Tex brings a functional aspect to their shoes. On our website, you’ll find Ecco Gore-Tex in a wide range of styles incorporating the best of the range from trainers to walking shoes.
CLARKS
British brand Clarks is probably the most recognisable shoe brand in the UK. Loved for their consistency, quality and value, Clarks have used Gore-Tex in a small selection of their men’s longer-standing styles.
Lowa
Walking brand Lowa use Gore-Tex almost exclusively in their shoes. Known for their serious performance-enhancing footwear for outdoor exploration, Lowa manufacture shoes using only the most premium materials to ensure your comfort and support.
Altra
New to Begg Shoes, Altra running shoes are known for their supportive and performance-enhancing properties. With wide toe boxes and the use of Gore-Tex membranes, these running shoes for men and women are ideal for working out in all weather.
Hotter
Hotter is known for its comfort and wide-fitting footwear, and some styles feature Gore-tex membranes.
SUPERFIt
Austrian children’s shoe brand Superfit has over 70 years of experience making comfortable, flexible and breathable shoes perfect for little feet. They even teamed up with leading paediatricians to ensure that their shoes were the best they could be. The Gore-Tex technology is perfect for those little feet whether they be running around the playground, jumping in puddles or off on a weekend adventure.
PRIMIGI
Primigi has been creating children’s shoes since 1976. Famed for their Italian style alongside their technological advancements and material makes them a great choice. They also use Gore-Tex’s semi-permeable membrane allowing those little feet to stay protected while also breathing. From black leather to pink suede, they’re bound to have something for your little one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing Gore-Tex shoes is a smart investment for those who want to keep their feet dry, comfortable, and protected in all weather conditions. At Begg Shoes, we are passionate about delivering footwear that performs, and as a family-run, independent business with over 150 years of experience, we understand the importance of quality craftsmanship. Our expertise in footwear ensures that we handpick the best Gore-Tex styles, offering you a selection that perfectly balances function and fashion.
Whether you’re braving a wet day on your commute or enjoying a weekend adventure in the hills, you can trust our collection to keep your feet dry and comfortable. Visit us in-store or online to discover the perfect pair for your needs – and benefit from the knowledge and service only footwear experts can provide.