Leather vs GTX Lining...What's the Real Deal?

[Ironman8]

A bit of backstory, I've been running a pair of Asolo Fugitives (GTX lined) for the past few years and have had them hiking/hunting in many different places and environments from hot/dry to cold/wet. They've been the best boot I've owned to date and the boot and GTX lining has held up better than expected. That said, I've been thinking about trying some Leather Lined (LL) boots only because I'd like to see if I get better breathability out of it. I've found that even a short hike to a hunting spot will leave my feet slightly moist in my Asolos, presumably due to the GTX lining, which results in cold feet when I get set in my hunting spot.

So I just got off the phone with a Lowa rep talking about their LL boots and I asked him if treating the boots with a "waterproofer" would give me good results for waterproofness AND breathability. He tells me that putting anything on the boots will reduce the breathability and that I may as well get GTX if I want/need waterproofing and Lowa doesn't recommend treating boots anyway.

I'm asking the membership here because I trust field experience more than anything. What's the solution? Can you have the best of both worlds, waterproofness AND breathability? Or is the answer just moisture management and maybe changing socks?

 

[Jason Snyder]

I've had two pairs of leather lined Lowas and can tell you this. IF you are going to end up in a very wet environment you do not want the leather lined. No matter how much you waterproof them, you will end up with water wicking down into the leather liner (unless you are wearing good gaiters). Once the leather lining is soaked it will swell and your boots won't be very comfy.

The leather lined are more comfortable in the heat than Gore Tex boots. I would not buy a pair of leather lined for elk hunting/deer hunting again. I wear them chukar hunting, but if there's rain/snow in the forecast I leave them home.

 

[HellsCanyon]

I've always had issues with cold feet due to them sweating and not being able to dry out while wearing GTX lined boots. Might look into a pair of non GTX boots for this fall though, I know I need a new pair anyways...

 

[justin davis]

I have a couple pairs of leather lined boots. I like them a lot.

 

[JP100]

from my experience there is no such thing as water proof AND breathable.
wear wollen socks they keep ya feet warm when wet.(if ya get real cold wet feet try neoprene dive socks they work a treat)
The GTX linings will be lighter and more breathable than leather.
Leather will last longer.

 

[russ_outdoors]

I picked up a pair of the LL Lowa Tibets last summer. IMHE they breath better than GTX lined boots and seem to be cooler as well. I would agree that if you frequent wet places a GTX boot would be better.

 

[Ironman8]

Thanks for the responses guys

I've had two pairs of leather lined Lowas and can tell you this. IF you are going to end up in a very wet environment you do not want the leather lined. No matter how much you waterproof them, you will end up with water wicking down into the leather liner (unless you are wearing good gaiters). Once the leather lining is soaked it will swell and your boots won't be very comfy.

The leather lined are more comfortable in the heat than Gore Tex boots. I would not buy a pair of leather lined for elk hunting/deer hunting again. I wear them chukar hunting, but if there's rain/snow in the forecast I leave them home.

The part that I highlighted above is what I needed to hear. I had read that some guys got the same performance out of treated leather as GTX, but it sounded too good to be true. Thanks for the advice. I think I'll stick with GTX. It really paid off this last season when I was in a rain storm for a few hours. Feet were completely dry in my Asolo Fugitives.

from my experience there is no such thing as water proof AND breathable.
wear wollen socks they keep ya feet warm when wet.(if ya get real cold wet feet try neoprene dive socks they work a treat)
The GTX linings will be lighter and more breathable than leather.
Leather will last longer.

I do wear wool socks but when I get moisture from sweat and I stop for periods of time at my spot, my feet still get cold. I'll look into those neoprene dive socks, but I may just try bringing an extra pair of wool socks and just changing as necessary. Maybe a light pair for hiking and a heavier pair for sitting for periods of time...