In modern times, the gortex membrane material is often used, the shoes of which are waterproof and breathable. The manufacturing company that introduced this innovative technology also recommends resorting to it when sewing outerwear, which is ideal for cold and humid weather inherent in the climatic conditions of our latitudes.
The invention and purpose of technology gorteks
An innovative and indispensable invention of our time is considered to be the gortex material, the shoes and clothes of which are waterproof and absolutely waterproof. This development of the popular company WL Gore & Associates, which patented the above material in 1978.
Among fans of gortex products, not only professional athletes, but also just lovers of rich and active recreation. The particular technology has gained the most popularity in industries such as skiing, hiking, mountaineering.
Material properties
Gortex fabrics, shoes of which surpasses all other materials in many respects, are created by applying a special coating produced using the membrane of the same name. The process includes sealing, which is mandatory for the product to achieve the necessary moisture resistance properties.
Membrane Properties:
- excellent breathability;
- resistance to cold conditions;
- the ability to not get wet for a long time;
- practicality and long service life.
A distinctive feature of the above fabrics is their innovative membrane, consisting of two main elements.
Components of the innovative Gortex membrane structure
Gortex membrane, the shoes of which occupies a leading position in the market, is only two-component. Its small particles are made of a modernized type of polytetrafluoroethylene containing a huge amount of tiny pores. If we compare them with water, then the drop of the latter is 20 thousand times larger than the pore size, but at the same time it is 700 times larger than one vapor molecule. Therefore, water in its liquid state will not be able to leak through the membrane, but in the form of steam, that is, in a gaseous state, will be able to escape through it.
This substance is able to repel oil and allow steam to pass through, which at the physical level serves as a barrier against the ingress of esters, dust and similar foreign materials.
Based on the composition and properties of the membrane, we can conclude that it is absolutely breathable, waterproof and protects from wind.
Technological features of the membrane: shoes made of multilayer materials
The specific constituents of gortex are multilayer and sealing.
The multilayer structure is achieved thanks to the membrane that is present between the two tissues, and the latter is characterized by the highest breathability. In addition to the production of shoes and clothes, these structures are used in the creation of accessories that are most prone to wear.
Sealing is a very important component of each product. For example, while sewing a piece of clothing or making shoes with a machine needle, holes are formed, even microscopic, but through which liquid can enter. At the same time, none of the fabrics can protect you from moisture in the presence of seams on it.
To achieve absolute sealing of the holes from the sewing needle, advanced technologies are used - GORE-SEAM and MicroGORE-SEAM.
Basic principles of shoe production using technology gorteks
- Absolute impermeability, thanks to the pores of the membrane of microscopic size, which are tens of thousands of times smaller than a drop of water.
- Excellent windproof properties, eliminating the possibility of penetration of cold air to the body.
- Permeability due to which dryness is ensured.
- Frost resistance, which is one of the main factors for using such shoes in the winter.
- Resistance to bending.
Varieties of winter shoes
There are many types of shoes, the creation of which uses the technology of gortex. The most common are dutiks, boots, boots and berets.
Sports options for casual shoes
- Women's dutiks meet all the requirements for winter shoes, including breathability, lightness and warmth. The top layer in them consists of leather in combination with textiles or from moisture-repellent structures. A membrane with innovative impregnation is placed in the middle, and the role of the lining is played by woolen structures or heat-retaining polyester textures.
- Boots (gortex is also used in their production), as a rule, are performed in a sports interpretation that resembles warmed sneakers. The innovative membrane is used in tandem with natural top materials. The warmth of such shoes is achieved through a successful combination of membrane structures and genuine leather. The advantage is also excellent grip and a rubberized toe that protects against unwanted damage.
Classic membrane winter shoe variations
- Boots. Gorteks is an embodiment of unsurpassed design, environmentally friendly materials and incredible security. The most perfect interpretation of the boots is the leather model, which successfully complements any look, retains heat and provides air circulation thanks to the felt insole, and also prevents moisture from entering, which is achieved through the membrane structure.
- Bertsa. Gortex is also used in their production. Such shoes will become a real find in the cold season. Initially, berets were considered exclusively army equipment, but today they protect even ladies' legs from cold and moisture. In women's fashionable images, this item is increasingly appearing, acquiring a stylish, improved appearance. Despite the somewhat rough look characteristic of men's shoes, such berets are quite light in weight, warm and waterproof, thanks to the membrane structure, and reliable, which is ensured by the use of natural leather material.
Reviews on women's shoes made on the basis of Gore-Tex
- Fans of high-quality shoes will surely like women's dutiks made using membrane technology. They are the embodiment of warmth and frost resistance. They perfectly withstand temperatures of 10-15 degrees below zero, are indispensable shoes for long walks with small children, due to their convenience and practicality. The only vulnerability of these boots, judging by the reviews of women, remains a white strip on the sole, which after a short period of time turns into gray and inconspicuous.
- Membrane winter boots, the price of which varies between 6-8 thousand rubles, can have not only a fabric surface. There are wonderful modifications of them from leather materials and nubuck. Both inside and outside, such shoes are soft and extremely comfortable, despite the lack of a fastener as such. Appearance is absolutely not inferior to quality indicators.