Gore-Tex vs Waterproof Work Boots

Gore-Tex is a well-known and widely used waterproof fabric found in different types of water-resistant products, including work boots and work shoes. To appreciate Gore-Tex work wear benefits even more, it’s important to learn a bit more about the technology and other details that go into their construction. This article aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of the distinctions between Gore-Tex and waterproof work boots. If you’re considering of buying a pair of Gore-Tex boots after reading this article, you’ll make a better choice as you’re already armed with the necessary information.

What are Gore-Tex Work Boots?

Gore-Tex technology was incorporated into work boots to meet the demand for footwear that would keep feet dry and warm while working outside during the winter. Insulation is provided by the Gore-Tex material, which is both water-repellent and ventilated. This allows moisture to escape from your body while preventing water and snow from entering the footwear.

Gore-Tex Work Boots: Types, Differences, and Uses

Here’s the lowdown on the various Gore-Tex technologies available and their distinctions from one another:

Gore-Tex CROSSTECH

Gore-Tex CROSSTECH showcases the following qualities:

• Durable waterproofing
• Penetration resistance to bloodborne pathogens, body fluids, blood, and common chemicals
• Highly breathable
• Flame-resistant

 

Ideal for:

• Emergency medical services
• Firefighting
• Technical & search rescue missions
• Tactical duty/law enforcement

Gore-Tex Invisible

Gore-Tex Invisible has the following features: 

• True fit, style, and functionality
• Lightweight yet robust structure
• Fast-drying

Ideal for:

• Kitchen staff
• Food service personnel
• Nurses
• Doctors
• Health service workers
• Retail sales staff

Gore-Tex Surround

Gore-Tex Surround boasts the following features:

• Specially designed construction – removes moisture and heat effectively from the bottom up
• Maximum all-around breathability
• Waterproof and durable
• Guaranteed to keep the feet and socks dry – prevents water penetration from external sources

Ideal for:

• Kitchen helpers/staff
• Food service workers
• Health service workers
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Retail sales staff

Gore-Tex Original

Gore-Tex Original has the following features:

• Strong waterproofing
• Suitable for different jobs such as those involving muddy or wet worksites
• Optimized breathability, ensuring your feet stay dry and cozy

Ideal for:

• Tactical/law enforcement personnel
• Plumbers
• Ranch workers
• Farmers
• Gardeners
• Construction workers
• Landscaping workers

Top Gore-Tex Work Boots

As the name suggests, waterproof boots are the kind of boots that don’t absorb any kind of liquid or moisture. They’re effectively used in humid or wet surroundings, such as wet floors that plumbers need to deal with while fixing busted pipes. They also do well in or around wet outdoor worksites as well as indoor conditions that are exposed to accidental spills. The main aim of waterproof shoes is to protect the feet from getting wet and absorbing moisture, preventing the growth of various bacterial and fungal infections.

If you look at the variety of waterproof boots on the market, you’ll find that rubber is the most popular material that’s being used to manufacture these types of boots. This is because rubber is naturally water-resistant, sturdy, and holds anti-slip properties. Other than that, synthetic leather is also a viable choice, if you want a touch of class and stylish appeal to your work footwear.

We also have Gore-Tex, which is another excellent material for a sturdy pair of waterproof boots. It consists of a micro-porous structure that ensures the creation of resistance between the outer environment and your feet. At the same time, it promotes active air circulation and minimizes the heat produced inside the boots.

Now that you’ve had a fair idea of the importance and variety of waterproof boots, here are some of the pros and cons that are associated with these boot types.

Haix XR1 Boot

Showcasing exceptionally protective features, the Haix XR1 Boot is built with a Gore-Tex CROSSTECH membrane that offers superior waterproofing and breathability for all-day comfort. The CROSSTECH liner also protects against bloodborne pathogens, body fluids, and common chemicals that may be encountered in emergency medical or search and rescue services. It’s flame-resistant as well, making the boot suitable for firefighting. The boot’s other impressive qualities include composite toe protection, an exclusive arch support system, durable sun reflect leather, proprietary climate and lacing system, and puncture protection.

Ariat Catalyst VX Defiant 8-Inch GORE-TEX Boot

With a Gore-Tex membrane to stop liquid penetration, the Ariat Catalyst VX Defiant Boot is ideal for hunting and other activities in harsh outdoor conditions. The breathable lining disperses heat to keep the foot comfortably dry, especially if the temperature starts to soar during the daytime or in humid conditions. This boot also comes with 400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra insulation, sustaining a soothing warmth to keep the foot cozy and warm while in cold environments. The exclusive Cobalt XV technology deftly manages temperature, while a Vibram outsole offers high-traction performance to make walking easier on challenging outdoor terrains.

Bates GX-8 GORE-TEX Boot

The Bates GX-8 Boot features Gore-Tex waterproofing to completely seal out water, mud, and other liquids that threaten to seep in from the surrounding area. The same Gore-Tex lining makes this tactical boot breathable, wicking away moisture to keep the interior dry and cool for long periods. The lightweight structure helps prevent foot fatigue and promotes superior agility that’s required while on duty and in other situations that call for quick, decisive foot movements. A sturdy rubber outsole resists slipping on tricky surfaces while a side zipper aids in convenient boot wearing and removal.

Converse Gore-Tex Chuck Taylor All Star Boot

Displaying a much-loved classic silhouette, the Converse Gore-Tex Chuck Taylor All Star Boot offers old-school vibes with high-performance features. The Gore-Tex lining enables the high-top profile to effectively repel water and other liquids, ensuring long-lasting foot dryness in different indoor and outdoor environments. The membrane, along with the OrthoLite insole, helps promote good air circulation to stop overheating even after hours of boot use. The same insole offers ample cushioning without the unwelcome bulk, preventing uncomfortable thickness from taking over the boot’s interior. Meanwhile, the fleece lining preserves warmth inside for superior comfort in cold settings.

Danner Workman Boot

Built with a stylishly rugged profile, the Danner Workman Boot’s classic silhouette conceals high-performance features, starting with a Gore-Tex lining that delivers strong waterproofing. The premium construction withstands heavy use in tough surroundings but looks versatile enough to be used on and off the worksite. An electrical hazard safe design offers a secondary source of protection against electrocution in dry conditions in case of involuntary contact with open circuits. Inside, the OrthoLite footbed cushions the foot to diminish the impact of walking, preventing pain while also delivering strong support where it’s precisely needed.

The Pros and Cons of Gore-Tex Work Boots

Manufacturers of waterproof boots often use Gore-Tex, a type of waterproof fabric, to strengthen the footwear’s protective qualities. It’s one of the most effective materials for preventing water from coming in contact with the skin. Gore-Tex boots are known for being waterproof and breathable – characteristics that may be contradictory but are essential to ensure the user’s comfort. The extra layer of waterproof fabric inside Gore-Tex boots works hard to keep the feet dry, especially in exceptionally wet conditions.

Pros

• Durable and lightweight
• Available in many sizes to fit different foot lengths, widths, and shapes
• Comfortable, mainly because of a sock-like inner layer
• Breathable – lets moisture escape and protects feet from getting too sweaty

Cons

• Not enough moisture-wicking capabilities
• Slightly larger toe cap

The Pros and Cons of Waterproof Work Boots

Waterproof boots are all-weather boots that may be used for jobs that involve working outdoors. When walking on wet ground, your feet may sometimes feel numb – but that’s only the result of cold water seeping through the footwear. In terms of functionality, a waterproof boot keeps water out and does a reasonable job of keeping out the chill. If you’re working in hot, dry conditions, though, you probably don’t need waterproof boots as you may not like wearing them if it’s sweltering outside.

Pros

• Ideal for winter months or cold environments
• Strong waterproof qualities
• Stops wet elements and debris from getting in

Cons

• If water enters, drying the interior can take long
• Wading deep water won’t protect feet from getting wet.

Which Company developed Gore-Tex?

Gore-Tex as a brand is trademarked by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., which developed the waterproof yet breathable fabric lining. The material’s invention was a fortunate accident by Wilbert L. Gore’s son Robert when he quickly stretched the material expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (or ePTFE). While Goretex is mostly used in rainwear, it’s also used in other applications such as insulation for cables and wires, medical implants, and of course, footwear.

Gore-Tex Work Boots vs. Waterproof Work Boots

Gore-Tex boots, as opposed to waterproof boots, are better in ensuring that your feet don’t overheat even after long hours of use. The Gore-Tex membrane inside the boots has been bonded and sealed to guarantee that wet elements won’t penetrate. They’re significantly superior in weight, breathability, and insulation compared to the standard waterproof alternative that competing brands provide.

Gore-Tex footwear is more expensive than waterproof footwear, but it doesn’t leak and lasts significantly longer than the latter. Although it’s possible to make boots more water-resistant, we believe it’s a better investment to purchase a pair of higher-quality work boots from the get-go, enabling you to reap the benefits of wearing them for an extended time.

What Jobs are Gore-Tex Work Boots Ideal for?

The perfect candidates for Gore-Tex work boots are those who spend most of their working day or night on their feet, as well as those who work in hazardous situations. Those who are frequently exposed to water and chemicals will also enjoy substantial benefits when using Gore-Tex boots.

These are just some of the jobs that will benefit from Gore-Tex work boots:

• Construction workers (especially outdoors)
• Plumbers
• Landscaping workers
• Ranch workers
• Farmers and hunters
• Emergency medical responders
• Law enforcement personnel
• Firefighters
• All types of outdoor professionals or tradespeople, who work in wet and wintry weather conditions.

Comparable Waterproofing Technologies

There are numerous manufacturers of work boots and most of them have their own patents for waterproofing. The following are just some of the exclusive waterproofing technologies offered by each brand:

• Merrell M-Select DRY waterproof membrane
• Chippewa Chip-A-Tex waterproof system
• Columbia Omni-Tech waterproof system
• Ariat Waterproof PRO construction
• KEEN.DRY waterproof lining
• Danner Dry waterproof membrane
• Irish Setter UltraDry waterproof construction
• Puma CTX waterproof membrane

Conclusion

Goretex is a highly waterproof, durable and breathable fabric lining, which is usually used in premium work boots. If you place high value on durability as well as protection from water penetration in wet and wintry weather conditions, Gore-Tex work boots are the ones you should choose. For milder weather conditions, we would recommend normal waterproof boots.