Water Resistant Boots

Non-Waterproof Boots

Many of the recipients of the new Lamilite boots have asked me about applying a water-proof coating to the boots such as Snow Seal. My response is it is not necessary. Let me explain.

When you wear a boot that has the Gore-Tex film or whatever film is used it keeps the water that has been absorbed by the leather or whatever the exterior fabric is from getting into the boot, it also keeps the moisture from your foot inside the boot. The retention of the moisture does cause your feet to get cold.

When you wear the Lamilite boots and you walk through wet grass as I have been doing for several days now as we are in the rainy season here in Grand Junction the leather gets wet but it does not penetrate through the layer of Lamilite the lining of the boot and I am also wearing the Lamilite socks. In order for the moisture to penetrate into the Lamilite there would need to be pressure on the moisture forcing it further through the leather exterior. Where would the pressure come from, gravity pressing down on the surface of the boot? Of course not! The leather can only absorb so much moisture and if it doesn’t get out of the leather it does not go any further into the boot, so your feet do not get wet from the outside. However, the ability of the moisture while in its vapor state will move through the Lamilite socks and lining away from your foot. The result of this action is feet that stay warm.

Therefore, in my opinion applying the water-proofing which ultimately breaks down is unnecessary. One particular product that I do recommend which is good for the leather is Carnauba wax shoe polish by Clarks because it is acts to protect leather. There are probably other similar products, but make sure the contents do not contain alcohol which damages leather over time.

So I guess the Lamilite boots are in a manner of speaking water-proof and vapor permeable.

NEW WATER-PROOF MATERIAL THAT IS NOT COATED

Several years ago while visiting S. F., CA. I purchased a rain coat and do to the rains for the past few days here in G.J. I have been wearing it. What I noted is the simple fact that the rain water continually beads up and it is not a coated fabric so it is vapor permeable. I am looking into the source for the material and when I am able to get some I’ll make some other garments that I can use hiking and if it works as my rain coat has I will report that I have a very packable rain garment that may very well be water-proof and vapor permeable. We will see.