Buying boots - Gore-Tex a big deal?

[Cackalak Han]

I had my Sundowners for 10 years, but recently up the ghost. They were made in Italy and not one problem with them over the years. Unfortunately, seems like Vasque has moved the operation overseas (China) and I will not be buying another set of Vasque's.

Upon reading up on some reviews, I'm going to get Zamerlan's. What I'm wondering is, is GoreTex that big of a deal when getting hiking boots? Please note that I'm pretty much out in the desert (DRY). Looking at these two models and wondering if the extra $40 or so is necessary to spend. Creek crossings, wet hikes, etc. was nice in my Vasques with GoreTex, but wondering if that will be an issue with some quality boots like Zamerlan's.

Trekker
http://www.rei.com/product/797245

Civetta GTX
http://www.rei.com/product/789863

Also looking at the 310, which is $229.
http://www.rei.com/product/774688

Thanks for any input.

 

[kidishi@gmail.com]

I bought the Skills from REI and returned them before I ever went on a hike with them. The boot height is cut really low. Right at the ankle and makes for a weird fit IMO. Also with the boot being one piece(no separate tongue flap) they wrap the foot in a different way when you walk. Something else you have to get used to. The Viox was a much better fitting boot and a lot more comfortable. HTH in some way....Oh and both boots have Goretex. I went with a Lowa desert boot. I have given up the one for all boot.

caleb

 

[Lichen]

I bought a pair of the Civettas last year and it is easily the best boot that I've ever worn. I'm in the desert also, but make trips up to the mountains. I'd say go for the gore-tex. Eventually, you're going to get them wet.

 

[Superu]

The value of Gore-Tex is not just its waterproof nature, but also it's breathability.

For really hot climates, you may want to look at something with Gore-Tex XCR which is designed to be more breathable than standard Gore-Tex.

I love my Vasque Zephyr Techs even though they were made overseas. The BOA lacing system makes for a great fit that I can easily snug up as the day progresses if needed. Though they are heavier and not quite as good as my previous Tecnica Prima Mid GTX XCR.

I'm going to have to start buying multiple pairs at a time when I find a pair I love before they discontinue them for a newer model!

 

[Christophe Noel]

The key thing to remember is where the GTX is in the boot. It's a liner. When GTX is applied to footwear, it's included in the form of a thin sock-like liner that's built into the interior of the boot. It's kind of like having waterproof underwear. The boot itself will still need to be treated and maintained as any non-GTX boot should be treated. This means proper use of waterproofing agents, and most importantly - KEEPING THEM CLEAN.

GTX boots often die early deaths because users don't understand how and where the GTX fits into the boot. It's not pixie dust or magic. You still have to treat your boots with proper waxes and conditioners.

Almost all of my boots are GTX boots, largely because consumer demand has all but removed non-GTX boots from the market. To me, GTX in footwear is little more than waterproof insurance. If my waterproof treatments on the exterior of the boot wear off or fail, my feet will still be dry, but I'm aware there's another crisis at hand - wet boots. Boots don't like to be wet.

As a certified boot fitter, one thing I would suggest - don't fall in love with any one brand until you get your feet in them. Zamberlans may or may not work for your dogs.

 

[john101477]

Flounder and Superu make valid points. Although you will never catch me buying a pair of the boots listed I do like my goretex boots. I wear Merrell, primarlily Merrel Reflex w/ Goretex when I can find them. light weight and durable.

 

[RttH]

For what its worth.....

If hiking in primarily desert/dry areas where the frequency of getting wet is slim to none, I prefer a non Gore-Tex boot. No Gore-Tex means its that much more breathable. Gore-Tex is a breathable fabric for water proof products, but the lack of this additional fabric means your boots should be even more breathable.

When I lived in AZ I chose non-GTX boots, now in Colorado where frequency of getting wet is almost all the time, I have chosen a GTX boot.

Hope this helps.:coffeedrink:

 

[Sleeping Dog]

If you're not contemplating wet or snowy conditions then why look for Gore-tex, as a waterproof material it breathes better than the competition, but not better than the same boot without Gore-tex.

Also, it has been my experience that when used in footwear, Gore-tex and other waterproof membrains, fail long before the rest of the boot has worn out.

Jim

 

[djrez4]

On my trip to Escalante, a few years back, we had to trek upstream in the middle of the river. I was rocking some full-grain, GTX-free La Sportivas (since stolen, damnit) and a pair of OR gaiters. My feet stayed dry longer than the people wearing GTX boots with their gaiters. In fact, if the river hadn't been knee-deep, I don't think they would have gotten wet at all. Leather and Sno-Seal is all you need.

 

[highspeed]

I do a lot of hiking in the desert since we live in Vegas but we moved here from Oregon.
I have found that shoes and boots with Gore-Tex only keep out very light amounts of water - and when they do get wet it takes them much longer to dry than a non Gore-Tex shoe.
I prefer non Gore-Tex shoes in all conditions knowing that my feet will get wet no matter what and that my shoes will dry faster.

 

[IdaSHO]

All of my gear like boots are purchased with deep wilderness, backpacking, and a bit of mountaineering in mind.


That said, I have a small list of requirements for them. And as of late, it seems like finding a boot to fit the bill is getting VERY hard to find.


*Full leather boot, NO MESH
*Vibram yellow tag sole
*Goretex bootie
*toe protectors
*fiberglass or steel shank


I wont buy a boot that doesnt have these features.

I have found that if I skimp on just one of them, my feet suffer, or the boot fails prematurely.

The tricky part is actually finding one with a Vibram sole AND goretex. They are tough to find.

Vibram sole and no goretex..... feet get wet.
Goretex but no vibram sole, sole wears out in less than a season.


Luckily, when I do find a boot that fits these requirements, AND fits my narrow feet, they normally last 4-5 seasons. Thats good, 'cause the good ones normally cost more than $250 :snorkel:

 

[Corey]

Interesting thread, as I am in the market for new hiking boots, perhaps non Goretex since most of mine will be on rocky dirt trails in the area of Mt. Rainier.

I have some Vasque Goretex boots I bought more than twenty years ago at REI, so I am in need of newer technology.

I am also a firm believer in the Vibram soles.
All my past boots have had them.

 

[LateNate]

If you are going to be in desert conditions then there is no point in getting a Gor-Tex boot. You want the most breathable pair of boots out there. If water does get in you want it to drain quickly. Also, carry a pair of Chacos or Tevas for water crossings. Or just get your boots wet, just as long as they dry quick and you have dry socks. Some of the new desert military boots might be nice as well.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Part of my job is to look for new boots to inventory for our retail store. Good luck finding many non-GTX boots that are worth a poop. These days, it's almost a given boots will be made with a GTX bootie. Honestly, new GTX boots breath well enough it's not really a concern. There are few negatives to modern GTX boots.

By the way - for anyone in the boot market, you better act quick. Prices for nicer quality boots have jumped 10-20% in 2010.

 

[109 Pretender]

I guess that I'm in the old school camp when it comes to boots. 35+ years ago I bought Lowa and loved them for the 10-12 years they lasted. Then the industry started going into the hi-tech arena w/goretex and new styling that reminds me more of a HD tennis shoe than a boot...

I agree that unless you are going to hike through snow or water all the time - boots don't need goretex. In fact your feet will be fresher at the end of a long day w/o it.

The very best old school boot I've found are the Alico mountaineer boots which can be purchased at Sierra discount for ~$250.00. A big warning for the tender feet out there though - these boots weigh 6lbs a pair, they use a steel shank and trad Norweigan welt, have very thick Perwanger leather with boots being made from one piece only (no seams=no leaks). You gotta use a sealer like sno- seal for waterproofing a couple times a year. But here's the biggie - it takes about a hundred miles for them to start breaking in - your feet are going to hate you for awhile - but after they are properly broken in, these boots are the most comfortable boots you will probably ever own and your feet will think you can go through anything (kinda like you just got a 6x6 Unimog). (i'm NOT joking about the break-in period).
I couldn't wear them for much longer than 4-6 hours at first. Now my feet cry nooo when I take them off. These boots will let you balance on the very edge of a sharp drop in any position (toe only, side edge only) for what seems like forever with zero strain on your feet or ankles.
I like them so much I bought a second pair and I'm positive that these 2 pair will last me to the end...

I think everyone needs light duty new style boots for general use - some of us also need extra duty boots like these for the technical stuff that requires absolute protection.

Interestingly, my best boots and shoes have always taken the longest time to break-in - you just have to go slow and be smart about it - take 'em off when they start hurting.
Best advise was given by previous posts - try on as many pairs of boots as possible to get the best fit. (The Alico boots run true to size and about 1/2 size small regarding width). Oh, don't forget to buy good quality wool socks and use them when trying out boots for fit.

Lastly, these boots are for severe duty use. If you hike heavy, clamber around in a lot of rock and/or loose scree these are great. I use a Garmont Goretex XCR for light duty and weekend use much like a HD tennis shoe.

The Alico brand is from Italy (made in the Dolomites) by a company that's been doing this for a couple hundred years - it's totally old school for this model boot though they make lighter duty boots similiar to everyone else too. This boot uses Vibram's best sole (yellow label- green dot).

May your Doggies always feel fresh!