Leather boot or fabric boot: which one is more waterproof? Most people answer leather without a second thought. But if both boots have a Gore-Tex membrane, the answer may surprise you: they are equally waterproof. At Plein Air Entrepôt, it's a question we hear all the time, so here's why, and more importantly, how to care for each type of boot.
What makes a boot waterproof: the membrane
In a waterproof hiking boot, it's not the outer material that keeps your feet dry, it's the membrane. You can't see the Gore-Tex: it's sandwiched between the outside of the boot and the inner lining. It's often described as a Gore-Tex "bootie" that wraps around your whole foot.
The result: a leather boot and a synthetic fabric boot that both have a Gore-Tex membrane offer the same level of waterproofing. Choosing between them comes down to weight, support, durability and the kind of outings you do.
The catch: Gore-Tex can't breathe underwater
This is the most important thing to remember. Gore-Tex is a breathable membrane, but it doesn't breathe underwater. A bit like us!
As soon as the outside of your boot is soaked, the moisture your foot produces can no longer escape. The boot stays waterproof, no water gets in, but condensation builds up inside. You end up with damp, uncomfortable feet, and you might wrongly think your boot is leaking.
That's why you need to treat your boots, even if they're Gore-Tex. The goal is to make water bead up on the surface instead of soaking into the material, so the membrane can keep breathing.
Leather boots: go with a wax
For a leather boot, we recommend a wax rather than a spray. Wax penetrates and nourishes the leather, and its protection lasts much longer than a spray treatment. A good wax, like Grangers waterproofing paste for leather, costs little and does a lot:
- it extends the life of your boots;
- it nourishes the leather and keeps it from drying out and cracking;
- it makes water bead up, so the membrane can keep breathing.
Watch out: on a Gore-Tex boot, avoid oils and greases such as mink oil or other animal fats. They clog the membrane and stop it from breathing. Always choose a wax made for boots with a breathable membrane.
Synthetic fabric boots: spray, and spray often
For a fabric boot, it's even simpler. Use a spray-on waterproofing treatment made specifically for footwear, like Grangers Footwear Repel Plus.
The secret isn't complicated: use a lot, and use it often. Fabric boots are light and waterproof, but fabric soaks up water more easily than leather. To stay comfortable as long as possible, the outside needs to stay dry. Don't hold back, this isn't a product to ration.
Quick summary
| Leather boot | Synthetic fabric boot | |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing (with Gore-Tex) | Same | Same |
| Recommended treatment | Leather wax | Spray-on waterproofing |
| How often | Regularly, wax lasts a long time | Often and generously |
| Avoid | Oils and greases (mink oil, etc.) | Letting the fabric get soaked |
A good treatment costs a few dollars and makes all the difference in comfort and in how long your boots last. Drop by the store, we'll be happy to help you find the right product for your boots.
Now you know. See you outside!
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