Shoes: how can I know if they're waterproof?

by **ljl16** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:12 am

Hi,
I've been here in Finland for a couple of weeks and the shoes I brought are clearly not for this. When it rains, they get so wet I get really cold feet. The other boots I have are just too much for now (will come in handy with the snow, though), so I was thinking of buying another pair.
So, what's your advice? I wouldn't mind spending money, but preferrably not so much. How can I know if they will survive the rain? Where to buy them? What brands?

BRs,

**Sponsor:**

by **Pursuivant** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:14 am

Magic word is "gore-tex"

by **Cory** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 12:09 pm

Pursuivant wrote:Magic word is "gore-tex"

Magic word refers to quality + price. Goretex is always more expensive but at this time of the year, it's well worth the investment.

by **ljl16** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 12:25 pm

Shops where I can find goretex? And brands? (or is that the brand?)

by EP » Tue Oct 04, 2011 1:54 pm

That is not a brand, it is the material. Any (every) shop. Thick good quality leather (when it is well taken care of) also does the job.

by **Upphew** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:05 pm

EP wrote:That is not a brand, it is the material. Any (every) shop. Thick good quality leather (when it is well taken care of) also does the job.

Indeed. Gore-Tex is nice and breathable, but tends to cost. Unless you are walking all day, I'd suggest too just plain old leather with thick sole. Preferably ones that can be taken off every now and then to keep feet dry.

by **ljl16** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:28 pm

Any suggestions for shops for the leather shoes you talk about? Or brands?

Thanks :=)

by EP » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:46 pm

Like I just said: any (every) shop. It would make no sense to have a shoe store that does not sell shoes that can stand the weather.

by **Mark75** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 3:09 pm

I'd checkout Stockmann's crazy days that starts tomorrow.. maybe get something thats not bad.. On Torstai/Torsdag (Thursday?) They've got a pair of Ecco Goretex shoes for 90 euro.. don't know about the price but it would not be a bad idea to stop by and pick up a catalog of what will be on sale and when as there could be other things you are interested in.

by **Mook** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:10 pm

You get get sprays to waterproof leather. (or Dubbin)

by **Upphew** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:21 pm

Mook wrote:You get get sprays to waterproof leather. (or Dubbin)

Just remember to check if the spray and possible gore-tex are compatible. But as I said before, regular leather with proper soles (that are not leather), will do fine, especially if treated with spray as Mook said.

by **Ross1983** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 11:26 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SguYlpm3ffQ

by **Mark I.** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 12:52 pm

There are - at least used to be - kind of poor man's Coretex, which is not branded/real ting, and costs about 20% -30% of same kind of shoes branded as Coretex. I doupt one can notice a difference, other than is it 200e or 40e out of your wallet.

by **ljl16** » Wed May 02, 2012 4:05 pm

Mark I. wrote:There are - at least used to be - kind of poor man's Coretex, which is not branded/real ting, and costs about 20% -30% of same kind of shoes branded as Coretex. I doupt one can notice a difference, other than is it 200e or 40e out of your wallet.

Any idea on where can I find them

?