Women love coziness and comfort even when camping. And if you want to keep up with your men, wear women’s waterproof boots. This is the basic shoe for comfortable movement during medium and difficult hiking in the off-season on rough and mountainous terrain. Why? Yes, because due to the membrane technology, you will be comfortable!
Membrane in hiking shoes
The membrane (or thin synthetic film with pores) is applied to a layer of fabric, such a membrane fabric does not allow water droplets to penetrate, because the pores are much smaller than the size of a raindrop. But the steam generated inside the shoe, through the pores, freely escapes to the outside. It turns out that the shoes are made of membrane material does not let the water in, but it allows the foot to “breathe.
The membrane has been in production for more than 10 years, it is used in trekking shoes or in hiking clothing. The well-known brands give preference to Gore-Tex technology, less well-known brands offer membranes of their own production.
The main characteristics of technological membranes
On today’s market there are many options for membrane shoes, which technology is better, it is difficult to say, the debate on this subject does not subside. The most popular technologies such as: Gore-tex, eVent, OutDry. Let’s try to take a closer look at them:
OutDry membrane
The membrane is widely used by the brand Columbia in its shoes and clothing. OutDry is designed for outdoor activities, its main purpose is to create a breathable barrier. The waterproof layer is seamlessly attached to the outer fabric, this prevents moisture from getting inside the shoe.
Gore-Tex membrane
Women’s Gore Tex boots are in particular demand, because it is one of the most popular technologies. The material consists of three layers of fabric, between the outer and inner part is a waterproof membrane. In addition to moisture resistance, Gore-tex is also windproof and breathable. The membrane is based on polytetrafluoroethylene and fluoropolymer materials.
eVent membrane
The membrane shows itself well in the cold season, in conditions of high humidity. It’s vapor-proof, waterproof and breathable. This technology is mostly used in outerwear, and less often in trekking shoes. There is an explanation for this: the material is porous, dirt and dust will quickly clog the pores and the membrane will lose its main feature, in addition, it is not flexible enough. Buy women’s trekking boots from leading European brands in the online store SportsTerritory!
Tip!
When choosing waterproof women’s shoes, Give preference to models with
Gore-Tex,
which is now a classic of hiking boots or its main competitor
OutDry.
Several popular waterproof trekking boot models for women
Women’s Karrimor Arete eVent boots
- Innovative D30 cushioning technology built into the sole;
- Breathable eVent lining provides water resistance and breathability;
- The top of the product is made of suede/textile, combined with five-layer leather;
- Outsole: synthetic.
Women’s KEEN Saltzman boots
- Material: genuine embossed leather/nubuck;
- Outsole: rubberized;
- EVA technology, Keen Dry Waterproof, Keen Protect;
- Height: 12 cm;
- Thickness of the sole: 3 cm.
Women’s Gelert Softshell boots
- Shoe tops: textile / synthetic;
- Lining: Textile;
- Outsole: synthetic with massive tread;
- Air permeability, water resistance;
- Reinforced heel and toe;
- Padded collar and ankle tab for a comfortable fit.
Women’s Hi-Tec Fusion boots 
- Winter boots Upper shoes: leather and breathable synthetic
- The presence of water-repellent impregnation DRI-TEC (breathable membrane);
- Maximum waterproofing, excellent vapor transmission, high mechanical strength;
- Fur lining with padded collar
- Rubber outsole with multidirectional tread, based on Multi Directional Traction (MDT) technology.
A little bit about how women’s shoes differ from men’s shoes?
First, models for women and men are usually performed in different colors, men’s are more restrained, noble gray, black, brown hues, women’s a variety of light and bright colors. The design of boots also differs significantly men’s – rough, “brutal”, women’s more elegant Well, it is so clear! Secondly, the size grid for men and women are different, women’s feet are smaller and narrower than men’s.
But that’s not all:
- Women’s weight is, on average, lighter than men’s. And the musculature of the legs is much less developed. Therefore, shoes for women should be lighter and have more cushioning.
- Girls’ feet are more sensitive to chafing than men’s feet. It is very important that the inside of the shoe is soft and without seams.
- Anatomically, the structure of girls’ feet is such that the back is narrower than the front, and the ankle is weaker. Therefore, a narrow heel needs extra fixation, a high top and strong lacing.
- Today, manufacturers of trekking shoes, offer women’s anatomical insoles that take into account the monthly fluctuations occurring in the hormonal cycle of girls, when their feet need special support, due to changes in the elasticity of soft tissues and ligaments.
- Men’s waterproof hiking boots We already wrote, why did we write about women’s? You see, they’re very different 🙂
And finally, as they say – “women of note:
How to dry membrane shoes in a hike?
Almost the only disadvantage of membrane waterproof boots is that if water somehow got inside the boot, it is difficult to dry it out, with:
- Shoes with a membrane can not dry near open sources of heat, so the fire is not suitable in this case. The heat will instantly have a negative effect on the material.
- For a “quick dryer” you need a dry cloth to wipe the outside of the fabric with.
- Then take out the insoles and fill the inside of the shoes with paper or tissues.
- The paper will gradually absorb moisture and after a couple of hours you can wear shoes again.
Buy women’s trekking boots from leading European brands in the online store SportsTerritory!
