Gore Tex a must for boots??

md126

WKR
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
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Hello, I'm planning an elk hunt for late Sept in CO and the hunt will be at about 10,000ft. I realize that boots are a critical piece of my equipment and have been doing a lot of research on the subject.


For the most part people have been recommending waterproof uninsulated boots at least 6-10" high. However, a few people have suggested that a waterproof boot, particularly one with gore-tex, is not necessary primarily because it doesn't breath and takes longer to dry if it does get wet. Any thoughts on the issue??


Thanks, Mike
 
I guess you'd need to speak with someone familiar with your area regarding conditions. I'll offer my generic advice.

Nothing wrong with non-membrane uninsulated boots. They're old school and folks did fine with them for years. Still great, especially if you have more than one pair of boots or you hunt or live in an arid climate. For an all around boot if you're only going to have just one pair, I'd personally opt for a Goretex or eVent waterproof breathable boot, but my preference would be uninsulated - but your climate could vary. I like having more than one pair of boots to tackle multiple tasks so I opt for all the above and swap out for the time or the year, location, terrain, etc.
 
I had been buying goretex boots for the last 20 years or so until late last year. I happened to buy some leather lined Hanwags and I will not be going back to goretex. As a kid I had always had leather boots that I treated regularly with snoseal and they were water "proof"as any goretex boot I have ever owned but took some care to keep sealed. Goretex came along and it was the in thing. Great ! No need to treat your boots and your jacket was waterproof. I didn't question the comfort or breathability and just accepted that my feet should be hot and waterlogged with sweat then freeze when I stopped. Fast forward to the present and I have rediscovered what I knew as a young man. High quality leather boots when properly treated are just as waterproof and breath much better and keep your feet dryer and more comfortable. I wore my yukons the other day when it was right at 90ºf and my feet were just damp when I took the boots off to put my flops back on. I looked like I had been standing under a shower in my clothes but the thin merino wool socks and leather lined boots had wicked better and kept my feet dryer than the cotton tee shirt and shorts had kept the rest of me.
 
Great post Daveinjax! I would like to see more non-membrane options and think boots are better without it. I would prefer to wear a goretex sock if I really wanted to use it.
 
Second DavinJax post a 100%. My choice: I will never go back to Goretex lined boots for hunting or backpacking. You play like hell drying out soaked Goretex boots. I happened to purchase the same Hanwags boots this year for this very reason. I also run gaitors in all conditions. I do use eVent in my winter mountaineering and ice climbing boots but basically we're looking at dry, snow and cold conditions.
 
I avoid Gore-tex in my boots as well. Quality boots with one-piece leather uppers (very few seams) and Nikwax have worked well for me. I currently run the Scarpa Fuego.
 
I haven't owned a gore-tex boot that was waterproof for more than 1/2 mile in the last 30 years. I still try it but I know I'm getting fleeced.
 
I haven't owned a gore-tex boot that was waterproof for more than 1/2 mile in the last 30 years. I still try it but I know I'm getting fleeced.

X2 . You owe it to yourself to try some top quality leather lined boots . You will be amazed at how much better your feet will feel at the end of the day.
 
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