WATERPROOF-BREATHABLE – 100 percent waterproof boots have a membrane such as Gore-Tex or eVent inside. A waterproof-breathable membrane keeps water out while letting sweat escape through one-way pores. The catch: most waterproof breathable boots sandwich a membrane between a liner and a leather and/or fabric upper. Wet out the upper, and the membrane can’t wick sweat away from your feet, so your boots get wet from sweat from the inside.
WAXED – Waxed boots have better breath-ability than membrane boots—and most waxed leather boots are functionally waterproof. The stitching, however, is the hole in the dike where moisture can get in. Seam seal all the stitches and the problem is solved. Waxed leather boots need maintenance—periodic retreating. But beware of over treatment. Apply wax too often and it will penetrate individual leather fibers instead of forming a film on the surface, and moisture will seep in between.
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February 18th, 2011 | Tags: footwear | Category: Winter Camping, Winter Camping Gear
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