Why GORE-TEX Footwear Still DOESN'T WORK For Me

[@danielpittman889]

Simply put, Gore-Tex is a very successful marketing campaign. It's a solution in search of a problem. I couldn't find a pair of work boots with the features I needed that didn't also have Gore-Tex fabric. So I went ahead and bought a pair and immediately drilled half a dozen holes for drainage and ventilation. Works for me, and they're plenty warm in the winter under my snow gaiters.

[@lorelay2882]

Former hiking shoes sales clerk here - 100% agree with all Dixie says here. We used to joke in our team that the best thing about waterproof membranes (eg Goretex) is they keep your feet warmer once they -inevitably- get wet 😂 So yes, in very cold, snowy conditions or shorter wet hikes paired with gaiters it can be useful! Also about sand/dust in shoes: there are desert shoes (eg. by AKU) with special membranes to keep fine dust out, while being way more breathable than Gore-tex

[@krazmokramer]

THANKS Dixie!!! I'm not a hiker. I'm a nearly 70 y.o. guy who walks his border collies 3-5 miles every day. I'm looking at Merrell MOAB 3 Mid boots. I always was told GTX is hot and makes your feet sweat. Merrell makes non waterproof, WP, and GTX MOAB 3s. This video and your previous video has validated my thoughts about avoiding waterproof boots. I'm walking through early morning wet grass and sometimes light rain. Since I'm home within an hour or two, the water really isn't an issue, I guess. I'm probably over-thinking this. I just don't want to waste my limited retirement funds. THANKS for these videos Dixie!!!

[@matthansen5337]

Your videos are always very clear and understandable and I appreciate how well you consider the questions and comments ahead of time and address them during your video. Many of the comments seem unreasonable and argumentative. Please keep up your great work in your videos shared with us. I'm benefiting greatly by them, in knowledge, ideas to pursue, confidence, encouragement, and motivation. Thank you!!

[@gryffyleelee]

People love to argue about ridiculous things on you tube!

[@The_T-Man]

I am shocked that people said you didn’t have enough experience. Personally, I wouldn’t rely on anyone else’s opinion!

[@nealieanderson512]

Me too!

[@musingwithreba9667]

Probably someone who just saw the thumbnail and clicked the video not knowing Dixie's history and how many thousands of miles she's hiked.

[@christianr4886]

So true!

[@vincentvega5686]

dixie has lots of experience in thru hiking camping. has she done other types of hiking? maybe that is what the nay sayers have issues with. does she know how to start a fire? i dont think ive ever seen a thru hiker start a camp fire.

[@musingwithreba9667]

@vincentvega5686 what's starting a fire got to do with her preference of shoes? But yeah, she can start a fire.

[@ShelbyBlandAT]

We've learned so much from you. You literally took us from knowing nothing to feeling confident on trail. Even tho we all know your life has changed for the best, I appreciate your continued dedication to your channel.

[@pauletteskalko5909]

❤ I love shoes. I love trail runners for the lightness and it is a factor I enjoy. In the winter, here is Colorado I appreciate goretex for the significant increase in warmth, especially in snowy condition

[@michaelpalm2210]

I have the Brooks Cascadia version 16 GTX Gore -tex ($160)and they are superb winter trail runners. The traction is like knobby tires on a truck. Ice snow rain streams puddles, Nothing can stop you! I also hike mountains in them. I would not run road races in them. I would not run cross country races either , They are bulky built like tank all terrain shoes. Built for protection and traction …NOT Built for Speed! I own 2 pairs and use them alot for my off road adventures. One of my favs Gore tex is what makes them even better in snow sleet rain.

[@paisleyfamily5972]

Well Dixie several years ago you changed my mind. I’ve followed you from Altras to TOPOs. And I have no regrets. Lighter than boots and I like how they dry quickly. So keep preaching to the choir.

[@JoeConstante]

Don't change a thing Dixie! Your experience and advice is spot on. In the military I used jungle boots in the Bavarian snow while stationed in Germany for 10 years. Was issued Gortex pants and coat and never wore them because they were just to hot/sweaty when working outside. I used a rain coat and poncho liner inner liner on top of my uniform and I was good to go. Gortex is for winter time in my opinion and that's only if you don't sweat a lot. Otherwise loose layers of clothing work just fine. Trench foot is no joke and once I got that on a field exercise where it rained everyday, I switched to jungle boots and wool socks. Hiking I use Altras Lone Peaks, Injini socks, and my feet are always comfortable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom Dixie.

[@CameronVirrill]

I so appreciate your intelligence, clarity, and practicality. Keep it up, Dixie.

[@TheDarkhorse386]

I live in the Sonoran desert. While I am not a through hiker, i am an outdoorsman> I wear the Solomon Quest non-Gore-tex. I agree with you especially if you live in an arid climate, there is no need for Gore-tex.

[@alysiachristensen5475]

I think you are very experienced and I would tend to lean towards what you have to say instead of someone else that I don’t know their experience. You are the one who I know is out there!!! Stay safe!!!!

[@deniseflygirl]

I wore goretex hiking shoes for years. I was usually in the Sierra Nevada, mostly Yosemite. I started noticing that my feet would be burning up near the end of the day. I realized it was the goretex trapping in the heat. I switched to non-goretex and that went away. But do what works for you.

[@diabolusexnihilo1048]

I second this comment, I only wear goretex rarely in winter because I’ve always found them hot as well, I’ve changed to the exact same model of shoe but not in goretex and so much cooler on my feet

[@piratecaptaine7382]

Hey there, another Sierra adventurer here. You are correct, and everything Dixie says (and she says it so charmingly) is correct. In fact, I have very sweaty feet, and when I tried ventilated shoes, my feet loved the ventilation. What *I* cannot stand, however, is that on any sierra trail, at the end of the day in breathable shoes, my feet are just totally disgusting with trail dust and dirt that sneaks in with the air, and goes right through the socks to my feet. I just can't take it. Also, at any kind of altitude, it gets cold very fast, even in summer, at nightfall, and also in (rather frequent) mountain bad weather. So, wet feet and shoes from the last afternoon tiny puddle, still wet after nightfall and then again in the AM until sunny, no bueno. So, for me, membrane shoes are overall better, with hot uncomfortable feet any hot day, but knowing my feet won't be covered with trail grime at the end of the day, and knowing they'll never be cold when the sun goes down. For deep river crossings, I will do barefoot or tevas. (one day will experiment with lighter flip-flops.) Thanks again Dixie and Denise.

[@philsmith2444]

Everyone will have a different experience with Gore-Tex or other WPB membranes. I love the stuff, it works as advertised for me. I wore Thinsulate/GTX Danner Ft. Lewis boots while stationed in NC, OK, GA, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Germany between 1986 and 1998. In the heat (both dry and humid) they kept my feet as dry as jungle boots did; in the cold they kept my feet dry and therefore warm. Now, if I knew I’d be in deep water I’d wear the jungle boots because they dried quickly and didn’t have a fabric bootie liner that stayed wet and made my socks bunch up and cause blisters. I don’t think dirt reduces the effectiveness by clogging the pores, because I had to polish my Danners for daily uniform wear and that wax definitely filled in the pores in the leather. My socks were still dry when I took my boots off after a long day (or several days/weeks) working in the Georgia summer. My thought on where the sweat vapor goes in shoes is that it goes into the leather/fabric, where it works its way to the outside and eventually evaporates. I’ve found Gore-Tex to be more breathable than some proprietary WPB membranes, namely Keen.Dry and Oboz BDry. Vasque UltraDry works as well as GTX in footwear in my experience, and in clothing TNF HyVent and EMS System3 are just as good.

[@petersherman2552]

Well ventilated and drained trail runners and breathable waterproof socks get it done for me. A pair of oversized ultra thin waterproof socks over top of your ordinary favourite socks, cope with the snow and wet. Like sock galoshes. You still need to keep in mind that any water on your legs will go.... where? So rain pants need to happen if it's bucketing down. In the Tasmanian highlands, my favourite hiking territory, they'll stay dry for anything from 3 hours to 3 days. Depends. When they do get wet, they stay warm. Putting on the spare pair means instant dry feet. This sock layering approach is cheaper & easier to dry out than thick waterproof socks, gives you lots of sock combos and works with 'liner' and toe socks, if that's your blister avoiding strategy.

[@outdoorsman1140]

Just a thought as an alternative option. Gore-Tex or similar socks (eg. Sealskinz) can be a good middle ground for when you know it’s going to be wet and cold or snowy. You can wear them when you want and take them off when you want more ventilation. I even have a knee-high pair for canoeing so that I can stand in the water getting in and out of the boat or when coaching.

[@philsmith2444]

I used to wear Sealskinz and issued wool socks with jungle boots in winter when stationed in Germany from 92-95. While you wouldn’t want to wear that combo when it got really cold, down to maybe 20F they were as comfortable as the issues all-leather boots.

[@TheePIB]

First encountered Gore-Tex in 1988 in Germany as a tanker. It had just started filtering into some CIF issue sites as part of the first generation ECWCS, some of the brand-new officers had made personal purchases of certain ECWCS items (the parka, mostly), and there were a few non-ECWCS items authorized by local command. My first Gore-Tex item was a pair of "Graf boots," which were absolutely outstanding. They were bar none the best cold/cold-wet weather boots I ever had. To my mind, having shoes made with Gore-Tex-or, really, *any* waterproof lining-is almost by definition a niche use-case. Anything more interesting than splashing water from puddle-jumping, or maybe condensation, is going to find the top of the shoe and infiltrate via the ankle and any socks being worn, and thus bypass the lining. Boots are a different story, and combining Gore-Tex shoes with a waterproof gaiter makes more sense to me than the shoes alone, at least in a more broadly-applicable way. IMO, Gore-Tex makes much more sense as part of a system, with boots/pants/rain parka being what I envision as a "classic" combination. There certainly are use cases for Gore-Tex shoes alone, I just think it's a smaller set than typically imagined. I also think that there are better, newer materials out there that better suit most hiking and backpacking circumstances.

[@VillelaHN]

Your experience is something I wouldn’t doubt.

[@OddSheep-Out]

One in-between option that offers some flexibility and should maybe be mentioned are socks with membrane (together with shoes without). The socks with membrane offer pretty much the same advantages and disadvantages as shoes with membrane (and all of them are valid points regardless what one personally prefers in the end). But you can chose what outweighs one above the other depending on the environment you find yourself in. If it get's cold and wet and you find that sweat is less of a problem than water from the outside, the socks help to keep your feet drier (and warmer and more comfortable) overall. If it's dry and/or warm, just go with your breathable shoes without the socks and have well ventilated (and again more comfortable) feet. Basically some sort of layering principle for your feet.

[@ewgeniyburlakov6233]

You are reading my mind 😂 The membrane in the socks is really better because removable, changeable and can be dried.

[@vagnsteen5130]

Hey Daisy. I live in Ohio, a true four season region. When I first started trail running my local running store recommended GTX trail runners. That was about 15 years ago. Those trail runners were the last pair of GTX shoes I owned. Now as a four season ultra trail runner I only wear vented shoes, merino wool or Dry Max socks. (I'm considering trying Alpaca socks) Believe, GTX cannot move moisture fast enough so you will get wet feet from sweat alone. In the winter I will wear a calf height gaiter, one to keep the snow out but I also feel it keeps my feet warmer. And yes, winter mountaineering may warrant a stout GTX boot. So ditto Daisy on GTX. And I do enjoy the Topo and Inov8 trail runners.

[@Bananakid11]

did the E5 Alpes crossing last year used non GoreTex trailrunners with water proof woolen socks and ice spikes for the higher altitudes and had absolutely no problems breathability is more important than keeping you 100% isolated from water at least in non extreme conditions. You are your own heater and as long as you can stay warm, everything is fine :D thanks for the video!

[@bethtittl6926]

Dixie, I have no experience with goretex bc I have been watching you for advice longer than I've been hiking! I am not the poster child for backpacking, but you have inspired me to start for the beauty, joy, peace, and fitness it can hopefully bring. My husband and I have done 2 weekend trips this summer to test out gear and learn about our hiking abilities, and I am excited to say I just booked our campsites for 5 nights along Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks! Your video about hiking there as beginners popped up just weeks after our second weekend trip. We are spreading it out to be our speed, going in the fall to catch the beautiful changing leaves, and will really be putting all you have taught us to the test. We will be empty nesters in a few years, and we hope this hobby will help us see beautiful sites far and wide. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, positive attitude, and encouragement! (And if you are looking to switch up your own adventures, try a backcountry canoe trip in the Boundary Waters... that's where we came to love the wilderness! 🚣🏽‍♀️

[@Moozart]

Here in Norway, it seems like everyone uses Goretex boots. At least for hiking. Rarely do I see anyone wear trail runners. Then again, most people here tend to not pack light either, so it helps with stability having boots. I agree with you that it's great for colder climates

[@stog9821]

As an older guy whose backpacking days are behind me, I do like a pair of Gortex shoes when out walking the dog on chilly or rainy winter days. My feet are so much warmer and they do stay dry. On the hand, I don’t use them during warm days, and they go up on the shelf during the summer, so they last me years. And I do go home after the walk. They have their merits, but Dixie’s advice seems sound for backpackers.

[@bmwman63]

I feel your pain. Yeah, from my experience, there are two schools of thought on footwear. Those that believe in keeping their feet dry and those that let their feet get wet believing the quicker they get we the quicker they dry. I was in team Dry, but now I am team on Wet. Probably because of living in Arizona things don't stay wet long. I find my blisters are less with good quality wool socks and Saucony Carbitex shoes. They're kind of meshy and don't hold water. From my experience with my work buddies, this debate is not likely to end any time soon.

[@rosswalks74]

I actually laughed out loud when you mentioned other people told you that you didn't have enough experience.

[@kcstafford2784]

true dat....lol

[@sarahferguson0]

Same 😂

[@unixpro2]

Yep, same here

[@NickFrom1228]

Same here. I know of an industry expert and he absolutely will not use goretex for anything. He has written articles on why it is a total sham. People who think goretex works, don't know goretex, or at least don't know other materials to compare it against and realize that not only does it not work but there are other things that work so much better.

[@craigcoates9153]

A smart long distance hiker is a good listener, as local info can help a lot. But you do get the odd one sometimes who thinks they know literally everything better than you. Got to remember to stay humble as they're trying to help even if you can disregard everything they say!

[@frankedgar6694]

I watch Paul Harrell, who is a gun guru. He starts his videos by saying something like, "This is my opinion. This is based upon my experience and my training. I'm not saying you have to...." Even when he tells those who disagree, they will come out of the woodwork to correct him. I watch you and him because you have actual life experience from which I can learn and draw conclusions. I trust your content because you don't bow to peer pressure or the pressure of your audience. Folks, if you disagree, good for you. Disagreeing does NOT give you permission to be rude and obnoxious. Grow up. As they say, "you do you and I'll do me."

[@breannafilms8]

I think it’s crazy how offended people get about other people’s personal opinions and I’m sorry those that commented on your previous video were so harsh! I think that the hardest thing about being an influencer or internet guide is dealing with, or even just reading, some of the negative comments that come across your page. Don’t let it get to you everyone is just a bunch of sillies and it’s likely that’s most these people wouldn’t say anything to you at all if they were in person. Love you and you content! Think I’ll go rewatch one of your thru hike documentaries rn for fun! ❤️

[@melissafrederick9362]

Agree 100%. I do have a pair of Altra boots that are Gore-Tex that I use for winter hiking. I love doing little 2-3 mile hikes when we’ve had a few inches of snow. Other than snowy days or an occasional rainy day when I’m not hiking, they stay in the closet.

[@Daegdon]

Since the 1980s: I completely agree with you Dixie!!! Gortex holds heat and creates a humid environment-> I was soaked with body sweat from a jacket that had a vinyl inside liner It made no sense to have the Gortex instead of a cheap slicker. Shoes, if you are around town or morning walks, Gortex was great. It's probably a good idea for some dress shoes to start using it... but for hiking: heck no!!! You are right about all your points in my humble opinion.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Boy, Vermont and Maui! You know how to pick them. Happy to hear of your October nuptials. All the best Dixie!

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

You are the Ambassador of Thru Hikers. Your diplomacy and non-sensical approach is unparalleled. Thank you for all you do.

[@wolfgangzeiler2605]

I see it similarly. Goretex boots or trail runners are great for the snow or shorter comfort trips in wet and cold conditions when the paths have a solid surface. For longer tours in the "wilderness" (for me mostly Sweden and Scotland), where often the feet go under water, either in huge puddles, swampy areas or during crossings, normal trail runners without goretex or similar materials worked much better for me. You get wet feet anyway, but normal shoes dry faster. Fortunately I never got a blister in such trail runners, wet or not. BTW sometimes I had carried with me waterproof socks as backup for freezing situations, but actually never really had to use them.

[@elund408]

I grew up in Wet, Western Oregon, everything you said is right on point. Don't pay attention to those with limited experience.

[@idahoflyfishingadventures5244]

I agree with everything you had to say about Goretex. What I take exception to is attempting to get by in trail runners and gators in a situation where you should clearly be wearing boots. Boots have their purpose, one of them being keeping your feet warm. I've been at this a long time, before Goretex, and we got by with leather boots and Snoseal just fine. Even a light pair of boots would have been a far better choice than the trail runner/gator combo.

[@skipandcherieadventures116]

Good job about Gortex shoes…..some people seem to want to viewed as experts( at least by themselves)….you have loads of experience and I trust your opinion over the naysayers trying to prove you wrong! Keep up your good work and good videos!

[@danielkutcher5704]

Gore-tex means sweaty feet in warm weather and/or under conditions which require heavy physical exertion. Personal experience from actual hiking use. It doesn't make a LICK of sense in low-top shoes, where water is likely to come over the top of the shoe, in which case your footwear will become an aquarium for your feet and will be slower to dry than if they were breathable. **Gore-tex socks might make sense for the occasional water crossing or monsoon-like event.

[@marclaliberte5491]

Gore-tex socks also might sense for hiking through snow.

[@JimToscano1]

Infantry and Eagle Scout. Your opinion rocks, thank you

[@petesheppard1709]

I never understood using Gore-Tex in low-cut trail shoes; water WILL get in through the top, then the membrane will help keep the water trapped inside! Living and working in Alabama, I like unlined hikers in summer, for the increased breathability, but in the winter I really like Gore-Tex like boots or socks to keep the damp and cold off my feet. Sadly, waterproof/breathable liners are the current hotness and unlined boots are very hard to find NOTE: I like over-ankle hikers to keep trash, dirt, etc out. Great, thoughtful video by the way!

[@kenjett2434]

As someone for many years wore gortex for work and hunting sweating in them was just something i got use too. This is just something that as Dixie said a personal preference based on what you are use too. They were times my feet would get a bit warm and in those cases if possible i would find some water to stand in a few moments to allow my boots to cool off. Sometimes though just as Dixie with her trail runners you just learn to endure the suck factor. I still love gortex boots for hiking working and hunting but thats just me spending my life mostly in them doing everything.

[@kangsterizer]

I use goretex for similar activities and it's great. I don't use it on shoes for multi day camping/hiking. goretex is great for the right use case imo. I love walking in puddles and never get wet, and it does breath better than other waterproof shoes.

[@Me-4766]

I started with goretex boots and moved on to non-goretex trail shoes. Way happier and my feet are drier and happier also.

[@worldsails2000]

I agree with everything you said about Gore-Tex boots/shoes. I have owned numerous pair and they have all started to leak after about 10-20 miles of use. They always leak in the toes, then I'm stuck with leaky boots (or shoes depending on what they are), that make my feet sweat. When ever I'm in the market for any boots or outdoor shoes if there is a Gore-Tex tag or any tag that says it has a waterproof lining on it I pass.

[@BillNelson-OU812]

Waterproof shoes are great for casual walking in harsh weather.

[@OneEyeHikes]

Appreciate your bravery to tackle this subject. I agree 100%, regarding Goretex. I admit, there are day hikes in the Ozarks during winter, I might consider. This said, I have never worn a Goretex shoe or boot on multi-day or extended day backpacking trips. They don’t dry well, feet sweat and let’s face it, Goretex ain’t very breathable. So much for southern slang. Enough said

[@1971cld]

Agree 100%. Choice of gear depends on preference and conditions. I usually do not use Gore-Tex footwear in 3-season hiking.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Thank you for always sharing your expert opinion.

[@clbaker2024]

Couldn't agree more. You're reasoning is completely sound! At least for my feet as well. 😊

[@DanielBelliveau-y5x]

Dear Dixie there is a way to wear your none Gore-Tex hikers which dry quicker and breath better. but when the cold comes on just slip on a pair of wool Gore-Tex lined SEALSKINZ Socks,and just slip back into regular hiking socks when needed, they come in different weather/temperature ratings and this gives you more options. Thanks for your videos and good hiking tips.

[@robertalexander9931]

I agree 100% with you. I have never found the extra cost worth it in foot wear or rain pants&jackets. No matter what the manufacturer, I sweat more wearing them. Then, the layers underneath get very damp, and I will get chilled. Winter boots are a different situation. Your feet need to stay dry. In winter, I don't wear Gortex because I still get damp no matter what the outer layer. Maybe I'll just wear just non Gortex wind gear. The Gortex will clog up with dust, skin oils, and dirty water becoming non breatable.

[@MrOffTrail]

I’m a former Marine, and current long-distance hiker. I’ve tried a lot of different techniques and footwear, and I find the best for me is wool socks with non-GoreTex trail runners. I do often use Altra ultralight gaiters to keep the dust out of my shoes and off the laces (they come with velcro patches to add to non Altra shoes). I have tried antiperspirant on my feet, and that can work well on a day hike (particularly if you use the clear liquid Certain-Dri) but I wouldn’t carry it on a thru hike. Instead, I carry extra socks to swap out, and will sometimes take my shoes off even on short rest breaks. I too find that I rarely hike in a couple of inches of water. Either I’m dunking my feet in a stream crossing, or it is raining and it works its way in via the socks. I agree, just embrace the suck. Until someone invents a pair of ultralight hip waders, like less than 6oz, you just gotta be ok with wet shoes from time to time. And I’ll take the faster drying ones in that case.

[@jayjenkins4384]

Ultralight light hipwaders...look into Wiggys. I love em for stream crossings. Slip over your hiking boots and then hang em off the back of my pack for awhile to dry before packing away inside the pack while continuing on with dry feet.

[@MrOffTrail]

@@jayjenkins4384 Those still weigh almost a pound. The juice just isn’t worth the squeeze of carrying almost a pound of weight for something you’d rarely use. They’d have to be like 4 oz, maybe 6 oz tops, a pair to even be considered. Like DCF with a thin but grippy sole. But I don’t think it’ll happen. And that is fine. Just embrace the suck of wet shoes, and get ones that dry fast.

[@jayjenkins4384]

@MrOffTrail I absolutely respect your opinion as to what your needs are. And you did say long-distance hiking in your original comment, so I guess I should have realized you're in a different realm of backpacking than myself. I hike to hunt or to sight see. My days seldom exceed 12-15 miles, but my camp includes a camp stool, and my hiking includes dry feet. My weight with gear is never less than 40 lbs more than without gear. Winter more. I love my Wiggy waders slipped over my boots and gaiters when crossing a creek. I just thought you might like them too! My son-in-law (also ex-marine) seems to prefer wet feet over borrowing my waders when we have gone together. 😄

[@MrOffTrail]

@@jayjenkins4384 yeah, it is pick your poison I guess! Wet feet or sore back and aching knees. With all the miles on this old chassis, it isn’t much of a choice for me!

[@NDB469]

Gore-Tex is ok in colder temps, paired with wool socks or even some type of insulation. Warmer temps just regular unlined leather boots are best, if they’re fully gusseted they’ll keep out debris and most water. You’ll still sweat but they’ll breathe better and dry quicker. In very hot conditions look into jungle boots, they’re ventilated and although they let water in, they also let water out, also they breathe very well. For hiking purposes of course non waterproof ventilated shoes/boots are best for warm conditions. I’ve steered away from any textile/fabric boots and shoes just because they all start stinking, like swampy, gotta keep out on the porch stink! Seriously Jungle boots! Especially with the Panama soles, they work great for their intended purpose. Winter time waterproof liners are ok, I just put those odor eater balls in them lol. My feet sweat a lot so for me goretex is a waste, but for others they might be ok.

[@TheDabernet]

absolutely in the camp that gore tex is not a long trail benefit, non wpb trail runners will walk dry in a couple hours. changing socks will accelerate their drying. Learned these lessons when I was a multi day adventure racer in the Sierras and across the inter mtn west. Only my Mountaineering boots have gore-tex. I was shown that using a hot nail to melt drain holes in the uppers of my shoes helped drainage of water. There is one piece of backpacking gear that will last forever - My MSR Whisperlite has been going strong since 1993, still utterly reliable. BZ! Love your channel!

[@baylissfxbees2056]

Haha! I always wondered if I do something wrong.. it never worked as it was said it should. Found almost no difference to other products. I absolutely agree hundred percent. For me personally - My Haix leather EMD boots (high) are absolutely the best, never sweaty feet, don‘t no why, even though I sweat easily. No smell after 15 years of daily usage in ANY situation (Work, hiking and Skirt when going out). Stick to them, even if they are heavy with the steel caps.

[@PapaRocks]

Folks listen to Dixie. She knows. There aint no such thing as water proof footwear😊

[@julianlord5366]

Proper army boots are pretty much waterproof.

[@PapaRocks]

Well ok, and i forgot to mention bare feet which are water proof and self repairing.

[@julianlord5366]

@@MrJedi5150 Sorry to disappoint you, but you're talking rubbish. Your notion that there is no such thing as an army boot is grotesquely false. I have never worn any Danner boots, and looking at them never would, but they are NOT army boots as such. The *real* French army boots only become permeable if and when cracks in the leather make them so, although hours-long extremely heavy rain will lead to water soaking into your trousers and dripping down your shins into them. But with a good pair, that is very rare. Don't believe me ? I don't care. French army boots have no goretex so no idea why you have typed as if they did.

[@julianlord5366]

@@MrJedi5150 Bloody trollls.

[@hyperboreanforeskin]

​@@julianlord5366stand in the rain long enough and your feet will get wet. water resistant maybe? but not actually literally water proof.

[@Maydoggie]

The quickest my shoes ever got saturated was when I was wearing rain pants. The water ran right down to my shoes and soaked in. Also, re: breathability, it's logical that shoes that get wet easily will also dry easily. PRO TIP: Want to get your shoes as dry as possible overnight? Stuff them with wadded up newspaper. Works like a charm. (Obviously not practical on trail.)

[@3nertia]

Who the hell has newspapers these days? Lol

[@JeffJensen55]

@@3nertia 😂😂😂

[@Maydoggie]

There is that…

[@CH-ec7yh]

In trail, put warm stones (not blazing hot though) heated in fire in your shoes to dry them up.

[@NickFrom1228]

You can carry a micro fiber like a shamwow. Stuff in your shoes at night then hang on your pack in the day (if not raining naturally).

[@4potslite169]

Completely agree w your take on Goretex shoes. The trouble w a “waterproof” shoe is indeed the huge hole in the top where your foot goes in….I’ve been saying that for yrs! And once water enters, that shoe becomes a little bathtub that doesn’t dry for days and days (and days). There’s one exception to my rule of no Goretex…in very dry, very cold winter conditions and even then I pair them w waterproof gaiters to keep out snow.

[@rufuskit9447]

If someone advocating boots I normally regard them as "off trail" hikers because you can't see foot falls off trail, where as on trail you can see your feet and boots are very heavy. It maybe the their off-trail hikers, like hunters, and have never hiked on a prepared trail. These two groups, on-trail/off-trail, seem to talk past each other because they don't have a perspective or experience of the other. The trail think might explain the "goretex + boot" advocates, they're don't know to mention the difference in what ground they're hiking on. Off-trail also requires durable gear, on-trail not so much. Walking off trail in shorts would be crazy and required a medic.

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

“… and I think that’s all I’m gon’ say about that.” ☺️🥰

[@hagakuru]

Forrest Gump vibes...

[@bcloetta]

Great points on footwear. I have years of trail running behind me and I think the dirt that creeps in through the non goretex shoes ALMOST bothers me as much as sweaty feet. But, I have not gone back to Goretex. Does everyone else notice it is not as widely a available? I know that the Hoka trail runner that I love does not come in a goretex version.

[@garyparkerson9527]

Thanks, Dixie. For what it’s worth, my experience is consistent with yours. I only wear waterproof boots or shoes for lighter exercise in subfreezing temperatures when dissipating sweat is not an issue. Otherwise, I accept that my feet, like the rest of me, are going to get wet when it rains, or I’m crossing a stream, or I’m simply sweating buckets through the soles of my feet. In those situations, I wear whichever shoes dry fastest after becoming thoroughly wet. Similarly, rather than a stifling rain jacket, I prefer an umbrella, which not only shelters me and my pack from rain, but also shades me from the Sun when it’s blazing out. Waterproof membranes can be permeable to water vapor, but they are never as permeable as basic fabric. I don’t wear leather shoes for the same reason. Leather is durable, but not nearly as breathable as fabric. That said, these are just my personal preferences. Waterproof membranes work well for others, and I respect that choice.

[@Dave_Meyers]

Glad to hear your exceptions at the end for cold and wet climates. I grew up in Western WA and moved to WI. Goretex can be nice in wet situations…. But it (or some other waterproofing) can be a literal lifesaver in the cold.

[@memathews]

Agree, from here in Oregon Cascades. Winter hikes in Goretex boots and tall waterproof gaiters, rain pants over all when necessary. No Goretex needed in my trail runners for summer hikes. But ALWAYS wool socks.

[@amandakamanda]

Thanks so much for the info! It helped me decide on which pair of Altra hiking shoes to purchase. 💫

[@pavelkatkov2729]

Thanks for the awesome videos! Can you make the separated video about winter footwear what you use? Thanks!

[@michaeledwards-us7nd]

I recently heard a woman in a hiker shop here in Ireland demand a 100% waterproof shoe and the vendor said to her...."well, every shoe has to allow for the passage of a foot?!"

[@seetomgo]

I love my GT outerwear, but mostly abandoned it for footwear years ago. We do a lot of swampy terrain and creek/river crossings and if water can't get in, then it can't get out when it does find its way in (which, in my experience is inevitable). The one exception (for me) is in snow when wearing gaiters - I appreciate the added heat retention and I don't get that soak-through that I do with non-GT shoes or boots. I swear by wool socks and have never had worse blisters than the first time I hiked the Pinhoti in GT boots...it was late summer, and sweat was 100% to blame (as you mentioned). There are a lot of armchair quarterbacks going hiking on KZbin (such is the internet). Keep up the great content!

[@sharonlivingstone5956]

I'm with you on not wearing goretex shoes - although I have them for when I know I'll be doing a day hike in rain. But it is so difficult to buy non-goretex shoes (Australia). Some brands don't retail non-goretex shoes here. I don't know what that's about but it is frustrating.

[@corrigan88101]

Dixie how dare you not fall in line with the gortex cult! 🤣These people need to get out from behind the keyboard and go for a hike. Keep putting out great content, I love it.

[@jackg7225]

I wore non gortex shoes for over 600 miles In Spain with no issues (2yrs ago). In April, on the Portuguese Camino, on day two, I got a blister which I attributed to the sweating of my feet in my gortex trail runners.

[@mattkreitzer5622]

I have been hiking since 2017 and have hiked many trails and have always worn waterproof boots (solomon and Keen) and I have never gotten wet feet, and I have fully submerged my foot (not to the point that water spills into the top of the boot). Of course, my feet do not sweat much so getting wet from sweat is not an issue. And, I do take my boots off when I do any water crossing that would go over the top of the boot, but I don't mind that. I have had so many people say "wear trail runners, they dry faster, and your feet will get wet anyway," but that just isn't my experience. There are plenty of days where I would have had soaking wet feet from simply walking through wet grass in the morning or some muddy areas if I had regular trail runners on, but my feet stayed dry in my boots. To me, I would rather just taking a bit of precaution at water crossings and have dry feet all day than wear non-waterproof shoes and just accept that my feet will get wet and have to walk around for hour(s) waiting on my shoes to dry out. I am going to try to use waterproof shoes (ordered some Brooks GTX Cascadia shoes) to go a bit lighter so I will need to be more mindful of where I step. If my feet do get wet due to the lower cut of the shoe, I will just stick with my boots, the Solomon boots I have are not too bad weight wise anyway, I just want to try something new.

[@audrey3319]

So refreshing to hear someone who hikes as much as you say exactly my experience w gore Tex or any “waterproof” aka petrified dish shoes/boots,,,, they never dry, smell funky, destroyed and gave me hellacious blisters. I now hike in thin toe socks with chacos sandals. Pouring rain who cares, they dry quick and my feet and toes not rubbing on stuff

[@rickyoung360]

There is no such thing as waterproof and breathable (vapor permeable). The only place where waterproof and breathable exist is in the marketing department of various manufacturers. Thank you for your honest videos!!

[@67L48]

For hiking boots (not trail runners), it's often hard to find quality boots that don't have gore-tex or some similar membrane. It's similar to trying to find a top of the line automobile that doesn't have leather seats or a moonroof. Not impossible, but difficult.

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

For the dry feet lovers: A trick I learned from a professional tree cutter (aka, a logger) is to spray your feet with anti-perspirant to keep your feet from sweating... This helps keep your feet dry in the warm weather as well as in the cold when the perspiration in your shoes and socks can nearly freeze and make your feet cold. Of course you'd have to carry the anti-perspirant. 😉

[@tc2156]

I do this too, except I used a travel size rub on instead of spray.

[@PaulEgges]

@@tc2156 Agreed, but I still would not wear goretex footware except in the very special cases she mentioned.. One way or another the boots/shes will get wet and then take forever to dry out.

[@kcstafford2784]

i dont like putting chemicals on my feet...it has to be bad been an outdoors man 50 years and a oregon logger

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

@@kcstafford2784 Yeah... Nick's hiking boots, hand built to fit my feet, and merino wool socks keep my feet comfortable on my day hikes. Nick's Builder Pro work boots with merino wool socks keep my feet comfortable when felling, doing trail maintenance, splitting wood, milling wood, and other outdoor work. If the weather is real wet and/or cold I have PAC and rubber boots. I haven't back packed in nearly 50 years as I took up long distance bicycle touring. Dixie has influenced my equipment selections as I've replaced gear... Sadly, the state of the art tents, sleeping bags, and other things I used 35-40 years ago have worn out. 😉

[@camm288]

On trail use a microfiber towel doesn’t dry them 100% but I’d say about 97%

[@montyhays667]

I have two pairs of backpacking boots. One with Gore Tex and one without. I could stand in a few inches of water in the Gore Tex boots and stay dry, but that is not what I wear boots for. After miles of walking in the woods, my feet were equally wet in either pair of boots. And now that my Gore Tex boots are old they don't keep any water out.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. All points are spot on to my experience. I tried Gore-tex shoes, twice and they were miserable. I have found having the proper socks for the hiking conditions is a much more cost effective, lighter, and easier way to keep your feet healthy and comfortable, in any situation where your feet are your main means of getting around. Thank you again for taking the time to produce this video. PS, I would not give any thought to do or die, type comments, some of them obviously either like to suffer or maybe paided or sponsored to promote their gear, or the gear they are given.

[@karenfarrell3961]

This Gore-Tex topic is a perfect example of why I respect Dixie’s opinions, even if I don’t share all her opinions. She states her case clearly and there is no doubting her results and she always leaves room to respect other’s experiences. I have raynaud's syndrome and Gore-Tex boots are perfect for me. Notice I said for me? I think it is great that there are options and great that there are folks like Dixie that invite others to explore those options. Still love ya Dixie, even if you don’t like Gore-Tex 😉

[@OddSheep-Out]

Well said! 👍

[@mysterious1818]

My thoughts exactly!

[@Thedagoneman]

I totally agree with you. I wear gore tex boots at work, my sweat. My work boots can be on for long points of time. I do have gore-Tex hiking boots too. I only wear them during winter hikes in the snow.

[@bjdog42]

Gore Tex is only 1 or 2 percent more breathable than PVC. It's also so heavily produced that quality standards & true durability only happen in the higher end products. I haven't bought a Gore Tex shoe or garment in over 10 years because I got tired of them leaking after too short a time when I have other garments holding up 3 - 4 times longer & costing much less. For boots/shoes I use leather treated with oil or wax & find they actually do dry much faster especially with wool socks so my feet are often dry at the end of the day even in hot weather. The only time I use waterproof boots is for treestand or blind hunting where I'm not moving & then it's neoprene Muck boots for the extra warmth. If I have to walk very far I bring other shoes to walk in.

[@matt_kelly]

I found the same thing you did, on balance I'd rather have something that dries quickly than is sort-of waterproof. For example, I was dirt bike riding with friends in Washington State and we all got caught in a downpour. I was just wearing a jersey and while it soaked through in no time, it also dried in 10 minutes when it stopped while others were still damp hours later. Another thing that it taught me is that if the waterproof layer is next to your skin, the rest of the jacket will absorb water, which adds weight. Not a problem for shoes really, but still a disadvantage.

[@erict5878]

P.S....You have overcome SO many things on trail!! I think you pretty much have the creds to discredit ANY people that disagree with what you do or how you do it!! A TRIPLE CROWNER AND SO MUCH MORE!!! THEY DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT to judge you!!! it's all about Hiking your own hike!!....You have inspired oh so many people to take that first step and get on trail...ANY trail...and learn the way YOU did....by experience. BLESS YOU for that!!!

[@TheAricko]

Well said, you could win a debate with the best!

[@johnwilhelm385]

I've never owned GoreTex hiking boots to my knowledge.... I've never paid attention to it in footwear. With Parkas, my experience is that the Gore Tex works for awhile.... but ultimately it breaks down. All those trails you've through hiked! You're ambitious... I'm content to stay regional in New England... AT, Long Trail. Your videos are great....Cheers!

[@DanG802]

Those blue Darn Tough socks are the best socks ever made.

[@Maydoggie]

and they have a lifetime warranty.

[@davemason6501]

Good to see that your ideas on Gore-Tex haven't changed. I agree completely. Just checked, and my above the ankle boot have a ""water proof" label, but no Gore-Tex logos, so I cannot do a comparison.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Living here in the northern Midwest 9 months a year, where hiking can be muddy and I’m crossing streams, Goretex boots are great. But when I’m in Arizona in the winter, I agree - Gore-Tex isn’t necessary because it’s so dry, and I don’t want that barrier trapping n heat and sweat. As for rainwear - Gore-Tex is a godsend.

[@Uturnsandgiggles]

My La Sportiva are “waterproof” on the outside but once water gets inside, it does take longer to dry. Love them but there is no such thing as complete waterproof. Keep doing what you do. Your channel is one of the most informative. Hike in Dixie.

[@Mariah.Jo.]

I worked in a wet environment (plant nursery, always holding a water hose) for years. I went through several pairs of gore-tex boots. My feet were never dry. My socks were always wet at the end of the day. I was religious about drying the boots well every night, but they would start to smell pretty swampy rather quickly too. I really tried to like the gore-tex, but well oiled, plain leather boots finally wound up being my holy grail for cooler temps, wet weather footwear.

[@RichRich1955]

Rubber 👢

[@chrisblevins5143]

You're my go-to for informative opinions on gear and trails. I take your opinion very seriously.

[@Galiuros]

I don't use waterproof or water resistance boots/shoes. It's mainly because they cause my feet stay continually wet from sweat. The ventilation doesn't really exist, especially here in the desert Southwest.

[@clarkgriswold-zr5sb]

This! ^^^

[@hagendf]

Same on the Camino in Spain which is mostly hot and dry climate.

[@rogberube6422]

Agree. Thanks for sharing your videos, Dixie. :)

[@erikalee7967]

"And y'all that's just not logical." Educational with a large dose of gigs

[@andrewrollin3506]

I'm glad you're hiking your own hike. If I started doing serious through hiking, I'd use your strategy.

[@nickshingler3021]

I also can't wear GTX boots/shoes because of the sweat issue. I even get salt deposits visible on my boots after a few hours! If I'm wearing boots I'll add leather grease/oil to keep water out and that works better than GTX. I have however had huuuuge success with knee high sealskin socks. You can wade through rivers and snow and feet stay bone dry and my feet don't seem to sweat anywhere near as much as they would in GTX boots/shoes. They also dry out non-GTX footwear quickly when you hit 'dry land' with your body heat, then you can pop your other socks back on! Game changer for me in Scotland/Wales.

[@PabloP169]

100% correct Dixie, and you will get a lot of people who just want to be negative and likely some of them have a commercial reason for not liking Gortex to be dumped on.

[@Cubestone]

As a casual Colorado hiker I will use Gore-Tex (Sweat-Tex) occasionally. Usually in colder weather. I can't stand my feet being sweaty in the warm seasons. Day hikes are the standard for this 68 year old. No thru hikes for sure. I'm sure there are plenty who will be aghast at my choice, but the majority of my hiking is done wearing Chaco Z1 river sandals. Yup, I have to be careful of twigs and rocks. My ankles are used to supporting me and a day pack. At the end of the day I'll give my "dogs" a cold soak in a mountain stream and I'm good for the evening.

[@scottbutler1561]

Again, you are absolutely correct. I see no reason why viewers see this as a subjective issue. You are presenting fact and experience, thanks for being objective, accurate, thorough.

[@robertrockwell7581]

Dixie do what works for you. I trust and listen even though I'm not a hiker though I want to. Dixie has walked more than a lot of people have and she knows what and what does not work foe her situation. keep hoking on and stay safe out there.

[@robinsmith9734]

I have Goretex footwear and others, yes I swap around, and yes there is always something. Even Anoraks etc, are too short, not over bums! I used to wear a Cargoul when mountaineering, length. Before Reindeer Herding in North Norway, I hand-made, with a Jones hand-sewing machine, an Anorak out of double-layered Nylon? I was really suspicious. Although I also was given Reindeer skin leggings and Over-Top Dress. I never had an issue, air circulation every time. In the wet reindeer skin boots were substituted for Otter skin. No. No, socks, just dried Senegrass dried in summer. Had my reindeer skin ones on for 9 days, and nights! Management every time! You go, Dixie, the environment teaches us!....

[@rickbremmer3838]

Thanks for this video. Gortex has its place and it’s not in most summer hiking and outdoor wearable gear.

[@brianc1651]

I agree with you. Almost always trail runners, especially fall thru spring multi day trips. Goretex is definitely a must in PA in winter. The only other time that I found it useful was day hiking the 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks. The trails are so much mud and muck. My feet still weren't dry, but much drier.