Non-waterproof boots are usually made with ventilated uppers and more breathable mesh liners, which allow sweat to escape much more easily. Put another way, a waterproof shoe won’t breathe nearly as well as a non-waterproof design. Keeping water out might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to consider the consequences: if you're sealing moisture out, that also means you're sealing it in. Some hikers will cure their own leather shoes with a special treatment (such as Nikwax) multiple times each year, while DWR can be reapplied with a similar spray-on or wash-in revival product. However, this treatment does wear off over time and requires some care to restore. Most waterproof boots utilize a Gore-Tex membraneįor extra protection in addition to a waterproof membrane, a shoe’s upper is often made of a water-resistant material or treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating. However, it’s helpful to note that some manufacturers use their own proprietary waterproofing technology (such as Merrell's M-Select DRY found in their popular Moab 2 WP) that works in a similar way. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll focus on Gore-Tex throughout this article, as it’s the most well-known and common technology you’ll find in hiking footwear. To provide a comfortable fit, these three pieces are bonded and sewn together into a sock-like "bootie" and placed inside the upper. The all-important membrane is made up of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (commonly shortened to ePTFE) and is sandwiched between a lining and a knit backer. Hiking boots and shoes billed as “waterproof” have a lining made of a waterproof membrane (most often Gore-Tex) underneath the outer shell. For options in both categories, see our articles on the best hiking boots and hiking shoes. Below we break down the considerations, including waterproofing technology, breathability, and performance, as well as the best uses for non-waterproof and waterproof footwear. We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum: some prefer the unparalleled breathability of non-waterproof footwear, while others prioritize protection against the elements and don’t mind the sacrifices.
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