The waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex® membrane

The outdoor market is full of this word. But why is the Gore-Tex® waterproof and breathable membrane so popular with hikers around the world? Why is it so popular with hikers around the world? Let's take a closer look at a particularly good membrane.

If you need to buy a new pair of hiking boots and are searching the internet or asking around in a shop, it's almost certain that at some point the name "Gore-Tex® membrane" will come up in your search. This waterproof, breathable and windproof membrane, with its unequalled performance, can be found in many technical accessories, from gloves to jackets, trousers and of course shoes. In this post, we take a look at the Gore-Tex® membrane and its inimitable characteristics.

How Gore-Tex® works

We won't go into the technical details, but will stick to the more practical explanations. In short, every centimetre of Gore-Tex® membrane contains billions of nano-pores, which are too small to allow even a single droplet to pass through. That's why every product with a Gore-Tex® membrane is waterproof. If your shoes are made of it, you can walk in the snow or rain with the guarantee that your feet will stay dry. 

However, dry doesn't necessarily mean warm. Well, the Gore-Tex® membrane is also windproof. So on the one hand, it prevents water from getting into your shoes, and on the other hand, the wind can't get in either.

Finally, let's talk about breathability. Let's go back to our billions of pores that are too small to let water through but large enough to let water vapour molecules escape from the inside to the outside... and when we talk about water vapour, we're thinking of your sweat. This is how moisture inside your shoe is prevented from building up, even during exercise, as each water molecule that forms is free to be released. It is also thanks to this characteristic that Gore-Tex® can pride itself on keeping feet really dry.  

Different technologies for different uses

While all Gore-Tex® footwear is waterproof, windproof and breathable, not all footwear offers the same complementary properties. It's up to you to decide which features you want to focus on, depending on your needs and the type of footwear you use. There are four different types of footwear technology that have been developed: 

Gore-Tex® Comfort & Performance technology, which is ideal if you plan to go out in unstable weather with moderate inclemency, provides optimum thermal comfort and ensures that your feet stay dry even in variable weather. 

If you're planning to venture out in the snow or walking in the cold, then choose footwear designed with Gore-Tex® Comfort & Insulation technology, which keeps warmth in the core of the boot, while wicking away perspiration and therefore moisture. In snow and rain, it remains durably waterproof and breathable, and benefits from an insulating inner lining that effectively protects against the cold. 

In warm weather, however, we recommend the extremely breathable and non-insulating Gore-Tex® Comfort & Versatility technology, which allows heat to be dissipated very effectively and allows for intense activity in warm weather. Of course, don't forget that it is also waterproof.

Finally, the Gore-Tex® Surround® technology is probably the most innovative of all. It provides 360° breathability for excellent climate control without losing waterproofness. Gore-Tex® Surround® footwear guarantees a constantly ideal foot microclimate, which adapts and evolves according to the temperature, allowing the foot to breathe through 360°, i.e. moisture is evacuated in all directions, even towards the sole, for constantly dry feet in all circumstances.