Waterproof Information
Everything you need to know about waterproof walking shoes and boots how they work, how to care for them, and how to choose the right pair.
Waterproof, what does it mean?
In the UK, all boots with ‘Sympatex’ and ‘Gritex’ membranes exceed British standards for footwear waterproofing, as does our ‘Spo-tex’ membrane or any of the boots we mark as ‘waterproof’. This covers over 95% of the Grisport range in the UK.
British waterproofing standard means that boots have been tested using the underwater flex test (see image right) and have remained dry for over 7 hours from completely dry, in many cases Grisport models last longer than this in the test.
It must always be remembered that the only footwear that is 100% guaranteed waterproof for unlimited use, day after day is a wellington. Leather, membraned footwear could never be expected to operate in the same manner and conditions as a wellington.
When a boot fails to last 7 hours from dry, this may be down to one of the following reasons.
1. DAMAGE TO THE UPPER OR MEMBRANE
Stepping on sharp objects such as broken glass, slate, or jagged rocks can occasionally puncture the sole. As with all outdoor footwear, this type of damage can compromise the waterproof membrane and may allow water to enter.
2. SOLE PUNCTURE
If you are unlucky enough to stand on broken glass or a particularly sharp piece of slate or rock, the sole of your boot may become punctured. This puncture can again pierce the membrane and allow water into the boot.
3. PROLONGED USE IN WET CONDITIONS
Our waterproof footwear is designed to keep your feet dry for extended periods and is tested to meet strict waterproofing standards, typically lasting over 7 hours from complete dryness.
However, performance can be affected if the boots are used in wet conditions over multiple consecutive days without fully drying in between. If footwear remains damp or saturated from previous use, the waterproof membrane may not perform to the same level, as it has already been exposed to moisture for an extended period.
To maintain the best waterproof performance, we recommend allowing your footwear to dry naturally between uses, particularly after heavy exposure to wet conditions.
4. WATER INGRESS FROM ABOVE
While our walking shoes and boots are designed to keep water out, it’s important to understand their limits. Waterproof protection works up to the height of the membrane and tongue construction.
If you step into water that is deeper than the top of the tongue or collar, water can enter from above. This is not a fault with the footwear, but simply a limitation of how all walking footwear is designed.
For wetter or boggier conditions, we recommend choosing a style with a bellows tongue, which provides a higher level of water resistance by extending the waterproof barrier further up the boot.
Always consider the conditions you’ll be walking in and select footwear that offers the right level of protection for your environment.
5. REDUCED BREATHABILITY
During long walks or in warmer conditions, feet naturally produce moisture. While our waterproof membranes are designed to allow this to escape, breathability can be reduced if the upper becomes heavily saturated with water, mud, or dirt.
This can lead to a build-up of moisture inside the footwear, which may feel similar to water ingress, but is typically caused by perspiration that is unable to escape.
6. SOCKS AND MOISTURE TRANSFER
Modern walking socks are designed to wick moisture away from the skin. However, if the top of the sock becomes wet, moisture can travel down into the footwear, creating a damp feeling inside the boot.
Additional layers such as gaiters or waterproof trousers can also increase moisture around the lower leg, which may be absorbed by the socks and transferred into the footwear.
This can sometimes be mistaken for water ingress, but is typically caused by external moisture or perspiration.
7. MEMBRANE FAILURE
The waterproof and breathable membrane plays a key role in keeping your feet dry. In rare cases, this membrane can become compromised over time due to the following factors:
Force Drying
Footwear should never be dried using direct heat sources such as radiators, fires, or heaters. Excessive heat can damage both the upper and the membrane, which may affect waterproof performance.
Natural Wear Over Time
All footwear will naturally deteriorate with age and use. As materials wear, the effectiveness of the waterproof membrane may reduce.
Lack of Maintenance
Proper care is essential. Allowing footwear to dry out excessively or not applying suitable treatments can impact overall performance.
Internal Wear and Tear
Repeated friction in one area, or sharp toenails, can damage the inner lining and may compromise the membrane from the inside.
MANUFACTURING FAULT
Manufacturing faults are rare, as waterproof membranes and finished footwear undergo extensive testing.
Where a genuine fault exists, it will typically be noticeable from the first use in wet conditions. If a product develops a leak after a period of use, this is more commonly the result of wear, damage, or external factors rather than a manufacturing defect.