Sneakers with a membrane are the subject of various discussions and debates. To unequivocally say what the strengths of the membrane material are, you need to understand its structure. First, you need to decide what exactly comes first - dryness or ventilation.
On a hot summer day it is better to get along with ordinary sneakers, since air circulation through the membrane is very difficult.
The owner of sneakers with a membrane will not be afraid of puddles, running in the snow, low temperatures and blowing with a cold wind. Even if the run lasts a long time - the legs still remain quite dry. Most athletic shoe manufacturers prefer to use Gore-Tex.
Gore-tex
Despite the fact that it is possible to use more modern developments or to develop your own membrane, Gore-Tex is in great confidence and demand.
The membrane material is represented by a thin synthetic polytetrafluoroethylene film, which contains up to one and a half billion holes on one square centimeter. The main thing is that the membrane covers the entire area of the shoe.
Depending on the season, manufacturers offer two types of membrane material:
- Gore-Tex Extended comfort - relevant for the warm season.
- Gore-Tex Performance comfort is a denser material designed for cold weather.
Exceptional quality, protection from wind, moisture and cold - exactly what you need for comfort in difficult environmental conditions.Cross country races should not be ignored. The membrane will protect against the ingress of fine dirt and sand, which can cause tangible inconvenience when running long distances.
Reviews and recommendations
The reviews are mostly positive, the range of application of specific models is individual for each person. Buyers note good quality and durability, comfortable feet in snow and rain, windy weather. A properly selected model for the temperature will help to avoid overheating and excessive sweating.
The temperature range of use is noted up to minus 30. In the too warm season there is no need for membrane sneakers: their degree of ventilation is lower than that of ordinary ones, which can cause discomfort. For different tasks sneakers with a membrane and without are used. In the mountains, on long races, march-throws, rogains, users prefer Gore-Tex. These sneakers are more comfortable and lighter than trekking boots.
Care
It will be appropriate to highlight the moment of care for such shoes. On the one hand, care is almost the same as for ordinary shoes, but you need to take into account the presence of a membrane. In order to maintain its full performance, sneakers must undergo repeated treatment with water repellents.
Since the membrane does not allow water from outside, moisture will gradually accumulate inside the shoe, so it is extremely important to update the DWR impregnation. Sneakers with a membrane are dried at room temperature, but twice as long as usual.
When drying, do not use the battery and electrical appliances - there is a risk of peeling of the membrane layer from the shoe. The process will go faster if you undo the shoes and pull out the insoles.
