Are GORE-TEX Shoes Actually Worth It?

Are GORE-TEX shoes worth the investment for your outdoor adventures? Join Ethan from Wildfire Sports & Trek as he breaks down the benefits, drawbacks, and ideal uses for this premium waterproof technology.

Hey guys, Ethan here from Wildfire Sports & Trek, and I’m here to tell you all about GORE-TEX shoes - when you need them, what makes them so good, and if they are necessary at all.

What Is GORE-TEX?

GORE-TEX is one of the leading technologies of outdoor gear - a specialised fabric that is designed to be windproof, waterproof and breathable. 

GORE-TEX is made of an ePTFE membrane which creates a thin layer in the lining of your equipment, allowing sweat and moisture to escape while still repelling wind and water. This is due to the pores in the GORE-TEX membrane imitating how your body regulates temperature.  

For waterproof shoes, your entire foot is wrapped with a GORE-TEX ‘sock’ to ensure there are no seam leaks, so the only place water can enter is through the top. However, this leads us into one of the few downsides of GORE-TEX.

What Are The Downsides Of GORE-TEX? 

The main downside of GORE-TEX is that if water manages to enter past the ankle into your running socks or hiking socks, it becomes trapped. The same waterproof membrane that keeps rain out prevents the water from draining or drying quickly, leaving you with soaked socks. If you’ve encountered this problem before, we would recommend some trail gaiters, like the Sea To Summit Spinifex Canvas Ankle Gaiters, to deter the weather and stop the flow of water going into your shoes. 

Are GORE-TEX Shoes Worth It? 

Both running shoes and hiking shoes often come in GORE-TEX options, but it is important to know whether they are a good fit for you. 

GORE-TEX Road Running Shoes 

First up, it is rarer to see road running shoes with GORE-TEX compared to trail shoes, but they do exist. For example, the Brooks Ghost 17 GTX and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 GTX. 

The first thing you’ll notice is a price jump. Today, GORE-TEX running shoes will roughly cost about $50 AUD more than standard models because of the name-brand technology. 

Not all runners are going to opt for waterproof shoes, as they can trap water inside and be less breathable - making them not ideal for tropical climates and warm weather, as they can create a hot environment for your feet. However, if you are frequently caught out running in light to medium rain with wet feet, they could be a great option. 

GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes

GORE-TEX trail shoes are almost an essential for trail runners, as wet weather and puddles are almost unavoidable off-road. The waterproof membrane helps to keep out dust, mud and wind, giving your feet a more controlled environment within your trail running shoes. Some hikers are also opting for low ankle trail shoes as they are lighter, cheaper and have great maneuverability. 

GORE-TEX Hiking Boots

Hiking shoes are a trickier comparison because, unlike road running shoes, almost all hiking boots feature GORE-TEX, like the Salomon Quest GTX. That may lead you to believe that GORE-TEX is essential, especially on long, rugged trips, but that is not true in all cases. The weather is a lot harder to predict outdoors, so GORE-TEX is a great all-purpose solution that will have you covered.

However, Scarpa's top model hiking boot, the Scarpa SL Active, is surprisingly not GORE-TEX lined. That is because, as we mentioned before, if water gets in the top, it is really hard to get out again. Therefore, these hiking boots alternatively opt for a treated leather solution.

Well-cared-for leather shoes can be extremely water-resistant and wick water much more easily. Also, the combination of leather and GORE-TEX can make it hard for the breathable properties of the membrane to work, making these types of shoes quite warm. They’re great in the cold, but not so good in tropical climates. 

Recommendations

• Road Running: If you are just running in an urban environment, probably opt for a non-GORE-TEX shoe, which will cost you less than a waterproof shoe. A non-GORE-TEX shoe will be more breathable but will lack the dry properties, so consider applying a waterproof spray like Grangers Footwear Repel Plus if needed to protect against rain and stains. 
• Trail Running & Hiking: Unless you are a more experienced hiker who wants to forego the GORE-TEX waterproofing, we would recommend GORE-TEX shoes for both trail runners and hikers for reliably dry feet. 

If you have any more questions or would like to try any of these shoes in person, come to Wildfire Sports & Trek in Brisbane, or contact our running and trail shoe experts.

Ethan Mount - Overnight Hiker, Boulderer and Avid Camper

Ethan is an outdoor enthusiast who has been hiking and camping as long as he can remember. He loves to know about the latest gear and doing overnight hikes in the Australian bush. He has completed the Overland Trek, Cooloola Great Walk and many more. 

Ethan also frequents indoor bouldering gyms and outdoor bouldering spots around Brisbane, QLD. He strongly believes in the Leave No Trace mantra and protecting the beautiful Australian land.