Types of membranes used in hiking boots
Hiking boots are a specific type of footwear with many requirements. These models should not only be comfortable and durable, but also equipped with the right technologies to ensure comfort in a variety of weather conditions. One of the most important elements of hiking shoes is the membrane, which provides waterproofing while allowing moisture to escape from the inside of the shoe.
In this article we discuss the most popular types of membrane used in hiking footwear. You will learn what a membrane is, the types of membrane, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of footwear with a membrane and when and for which activities you should choose them.
Membrane - what is it and why is it used?
A membrane is a thin, extra layer of material with special properties that provides waterproofing and breathability while allowing moisture to escape from inside the footwear.
Depending on the design of the membrane, the material works differently. For example, the most popular microporous membranes use a huge number of micropores with a diameter smaller than a drop of water, so that water does not penetrate the material, but at the same time water vapour (moisture) from inside the footwear can escape, keeping you comfortable and dry. For some membranes, a drop of water is up to 20,000 times larger than the pores of the membrane.
Membranes in shoes - the most common types
It is very common to find hiking shoes that are equipped with membranes such as Gore-Tex, Te-Por, Sympatex and others. However, the name of the membrane itself may not tell you much about its properties and characteristics. It is worth finding out what types of membranes are used in outdoor footwear and what their characteristics are. Membranes can be divided according to the presence of pores, as well as the material from which they are made.
Microporous and non-porous membranes
The division of membranes based on porosity includes microporous and non-porous membranes.
1. Microporous type
A membrane of this type is characterized by a structure based on numerous funnel-shaped channels, the diameter of which is much smaller than a drop of water. Water vapor that is generated inside the shoe is drained to the outside, while water (e.g. raindrops) does not penetrate the interior. The previously mentioned Gore-Tex membrane is an example of a microporous membrane.
2. Non-porous membrane
It works thanks to the absorption and diffusion of materials with hydrophilic (water-binding) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. Water molecules soak into the membrane and are then drained to the outside. An example of a non-porous membrane is Te-Por and Sympatex.
Teflon, polyester and polyurethane membranes
The second criterion for dividing membranes is the material from which they were made:
- Teflon membrane - is the result of chemical processing of powdered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is a solid membrane with very good waterproof and thermal properties, but low elasticity. In addition to footwear, the Teflon membrane is used, among others, in hardshell jackets. An example of a Teflon membrane is Gore-Tex.
- Polyester membrane - produced from modified polyester. It has similar waterproof and thermal properties to Teflon membranes, but is more flexible. Polyester membranes include Te-Por and Sympatex.
- Polyurethane membrane - the composition depends on the carrier used. Polyurethane membranes are less durable than Teflon and polyester membranes, but they are the most flexible and cheapest. An example of such a membrane is Air-tex.
The most popular membranes can therefore be assigned based on the division criteria as:
- microporous membrane, Teflon - Gore-Tex,
- porless membrane, polyester - Te-Por, Sympatex.
Membrane shoes - advantages and disadvantages
Membrane shoes are an invaluable piece of equipment during many expeditions, but they are not ideal footwear and, in addition to many advantages, they also have disadvantages.
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Shoes without a membrane or shoes with a membrane?
Footwear with a membrane is a specific type of footwear, the choice of which must take into account certain compromises.
If you are looking for a universal pair of hiking shoes, choose shoes with a membrane. However, it should be remembered that long, summer hikes may not be as comfortable as in shoes without a membrane. On the other hand, if you are surprised by heavy rain during a holiday trip, shoes with a membrane will certainly be useful. Shoes with a membrane will work very well in late autumn, winter and early spring.
It is worth remembering that most membranes work best when kept clean. Dirt such as mud, dust or sand can clog pores and thus reduce the breathability of the footwear, which is particularly noticeable in summer. Remember to only use products designed for this purpose to clean shoes with a membrane, such as liquid mountval and other resources that you will find in the category impregnation and shoe care products.
If you are a physically active person, regardless of the season and weather conditions, it is worth considering a separate pair of shoes for the cold and warm months. Shoes without a membrane will work well for activities from spring to autumn, low trekking or everyday walks.
Membrane shoes at MILITARY.EU
Footwear with a membrane has many advantages, which is why it is worth having a pair of this type of shoes. In the MILITARY.EU store you will find a wide selection of footwear equipped with various types of membranes. The offer includes both models with high, as well as low upper. If you are wondering what trekking shoes to choose, also check out our article with the same title — Which hiking shoes should you choose?
