Gore-Tex keeps you dry – guaranteed!

Gore-Tex shoes are completely waterproof up to where the membrane reaches. In the area of the membrane, a different lining fabric is used inside the footwear compared to other parts: for example, in hiking boots, it’s easy to see how high the Gore membrane goes based on this lining fabric.

Compact protection against moisture

All seams of the Gore membrane are taped using special tools to ensure they are waterproof. Compared to rubber boots, Gore-Tex shoes breathe well, allowing the moisture from your feet to escape. It’s always recommended to use technical socks with Gore footwear, as they are designed to wick away moisture efficiently. When the sock doesn’t trap moisture inside the shoe but tries to get rid of it, the shoe’s structure can do its job.

Reliable choice

The reputation of Gore-Tex is strong and has been built through years of development work. Of all the membrane materials we represent, Gore-Tex products have proven to be the most reliable in heavy use and tough conditions. Regardless of the manufacturer, products equipped with the Gore membrane are always among the top of the range. Using this membrane is a significant investment for the manufacturer, and they want to get the most out of it. In addition, Gore Corporation monitors quality: the membrane’s manufacturer does not want its name associated with poor products, and Gore-Tex invests heavily in testing products entering the market. When you see a product with the Gore-Tex logo, you know that the model has been carefully designed and tested multiple times.

What exactly is Gore-Tex?

Surface? Membrane? What is it? You often hear people talk about the Gore-Tex surface. However, Gore-Tex is almost never on the surface of a product. Depending on the product category, the outer materials are either technical textiles or leather. The Gore membrane is very thin and in the finished product it is “baked in,” i.e., laminated into the structure of the garment or shoe, well protected. Only when the outer material gets soaked, rain or moisture from the ground reaches the completely waterproof membrane. The outer materials are also treated at the factory, making water bead beautifully on the surface of the membrane product. Over time, this treatment wears off and can be renewed at home: for example, check out the care products made by Nikwax.

Gore-Tex in Nordic countries

Gore-Tex hiking boots are extremely popular in the Nordics. The value of a waterproof membrane is high because our terrain is quite moist. For example, in the Alps, the terrain is generally drier. Compared to the old alternative of rubber boots, Gore-Tex hiking boots offer clear advantages: Gore-Tex doesn’t make your feet sweat the same way because they constantly allow a small amount of water vapor to pass through. It’s also easier to make Gore shoes much more supportive in terms of both ankle and sole. A proper hiking boot helps keep your ankles in shape even when walking in rocky terrain with a heavy load.

Also in low-cut shoes, from trail running shoes to urban footwear, Gore is an excellent option. The damp terrain of spring and autumn and the rainy days of summer are no problem with waterproof shoes. It’s good to keep in mind that trail running shoes with a Gore-Tex membrane are slightly stiffer than the most flexible running shoes, as the membrane requires protective layers around it.

Maintenance

Gore-Tex footwear generally requires very little maintenance. The membrane itself is practically maintenance-free. Outer materials require varying attention: leather shoes should be kept well treated and occasionally waxed. Once or twice a year is a good waxing frequency. For textile Gore-Tex shoes, keeping them clean is enough. After use, always place shoes in a position where they dry and air out well. However, never leave shoes on underfloor heating, as constant high temperatures can severely damage the midsoles. Remove the insoles, loosen the laces so that the tongue opens fully, and leave the shoes in a well-ventilated place.

Remember to keep your toenails short! Long toenails, especially if they point upward even slightly, can rub the Gore-Tex membrane broken over time, even though it is protected by lining fabric and other layers. On the outside, the membrane is even better protected, and only truly dramatic damage can break the membrane.

Favorite brands

Our selection includes brands such as the centuries-old German shoemaker Meindl, also German-based Hanwag, Lowa, Merrell, Haglöfs, Salomon, and the unique Swedish brand Lundhags.

Order Gore-Tex shoes from a Finnish specialty store

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