I. Are hiking shoes waterproof?
Answer: Professional mountaineering shoes are waterproof (here refers to professional mountaineering shoes, not summer hiking shoes), waterproofness is one of the basic functions of mountaineering shoes.
Second, the waterproof principle of outdoor hiking shoes
The waterproofness of hiking shoes can be achieved in two ways , one is anti-splashing water; the other is waterproof lining to achieve waterproof.
1. The principle of water repellency
The water repellent effect is achieved by spraying a waterproof agent on the upper of the hiking shoes. In this way, if you splash water on the vamp, the vamp will be like a lotus leaf, and it will not get wet. At the same time, the effect of anti-splashing is also closely related to the material of the upper, and the upper of pure leather is the best waterproof.
Disadvantages: It cannot be soaked in water for a long time. After the shoes have been worn for a period of time, they should be re-sprayed to enhance the water-repellent effect, and it will affect the breathability of the shoes.
2, Waterproof Membrane Waterproof Principle
By adding a layer of waterproof and breathable film to the upper material, which is a porous film, its pores are 10,000 times smaller than water droplets and 1,000 times larger than water vapor molecules times, this is to achieve the effect of waterproof and breathable. In this way, even if the shoes are soaked in water for a long time, they will not leak, and the perspiration and ventilation effect will not be affected when hiking. Common waterproof materials are: gore-tex, eVENT, sympa-tex and so on.
3. The relationship between anti-splashing and waterproof membrane
It cannot be simply divided into whether the anti-splashing or the waterproof membrane is better, because the two complement each other , cooperate closely. Any semi-permeable membrane? If it is completely soaked, it will completely lose its breathable effect. Another main function of the outer layer is to keep the semi-permeable membrane from soaking in water and prevent the dirt brought in with the water from clogging the semi-permeable membrane.
Notes on wearing waterproof hiking shoes
1. Do not wear hiking shoes as rain boots. Rain boots are completely isolated, while hiking boots soak in water for a long time, there will be a siphon phenomenon and lose the waterproof effect.
2. The waterproofness and breathability of hiking shoes are inversely proportional. Therefore, we cannot blindly pursue waterproofness, and we need to choose the function of hiking shoes according to the outdoor conditions.
3. Don’t blindly pursue Gore-Tex waterproof shoes. This kind of waterproof material shoes is very expensive. If it is leisure climbing and hiking, ordinary waterproof materials will do.