Gore-Tex Socks?

[Cool Runnings]

Ok, so I scored on a pair of TCX S-R1 boots for $119, but they are not waterproof. Not so good during a long distance ride/ tour. They seems to fit nice, even with my orthotics.




Anyone have experience with Gore-Tex socks? Looks like they can be had for a little over $30.

Are they bearable in hot weather, will they last with a few years of use, do they work?

[n3303j]

No Goretex socks but great experience with Oxtar (now TCX) Goretex Matrix touring boots. Mine are now about 8 years old and just came back from a rainy week down south with thoroughly dry feet. This included a wading session up to boot top to inspect a flooded road for safe passage (we went around). The model you mentioned got very high ratings in reviews for waterproof performance.

I do thoroughly rub the boots down with Snow Seal (or Mink Oil) a couple of times a year. I make sure it is in every thread hole, seam and the welt where sole joins upper. This retards initial water penetration and makes Goretex's job easier.

[Cool Runnings]

Mine are not Gore-Tex. Maybe a good coating of Pecard leather dressing will do the trick?

[n3303j]

Just checked out a Revzilla video on the S-R1 boot. If yours are not the Goretex boot then they are NOT a leather boot. Revzilla states the upper is Lorica which is a man made product. Absolutely no idea on what you would treat Lorica with to try and make it waterproof. Lorica does not breathe as well as leather. The S-R1 with the Goretex lining is made of real leather because of the breathability issue. So it's back to the Goretex socks. If your feet sweat a lot you will fill the socks with your water and a non-breathing boot won't remove the moisture. Goretex is permeable in either direction to water vapor but non-permeable in either direction to liquid water.

I'm a big fan of wool socks as they will wick moisture away from the skin, insulate even when wet and not feel clammy when wet. So if possible try thin wool socks under a Goretex sock then boots over all (if you have the room).

Wondered when you stated your purchase price of $119. Paid about $175 for my Oxtar (now TCX) boots about 10 years ago.
Bought a second pair off IBMWR classifieds for a hundred. Was riding every day and I alternated the two pair (I have sweaty feet). I treat the leather well, once in a while scrub it with saddle soap. Looks like I'll probably get another 10 years out of them.

If you ride and intend to keep riding buy the best you can find. Treat it well and it will return your investment with extra comfort and a long service life.

[v7john]

Not goretex but, I use these when there's a chance I might get caught out. That's quite often here.
http://www.sealskinz.com/US/socks
I use the middleweight option.

I use old fashioned style leather boots for comfort and, although I have waxed them as best I can, they certainly aren't waterproof for anything more than a shower. These socks are good. I tested them by standing in a bowl of water and my feet stayed dry.

[BRIO]

I just bought a pair of slip-on boot/shoe covers. I haven't tried them yet but that is my solution. I don't know if a pair of gore Tex socks swimming in a wet boot is a good option. It sounds smelly at least.

[redrider]

I avoid G-Tex and derivatives like the plague. Cold and clammy in the winter and hot and damp in the summer. Just another simi-permeable membrane that fails to meet my expectations. Camp Dry silicone spray works if applied before the deluge.

[toukow]

I was researching this subject WAY too much in the last few weeks. I was looking at the various boots out there in size 14 and wanted Goretex given living in the NW. As an aside, I saw many complaints that the Goretex gives up before the rest of the boot, including many comments at various hunter forums. One weakness noted is that your toe nails can wear into the membrane causing a leak. When I saw a review of the Daytona Road Stars stating there is an interior flap above your toe to protect from such a situation, I decided to give then a go (arriving next week).

I saw some comments on just getting regular boots and using Goretex socks. Seemed like a good approach if you have more consistent weather patterns than here, and can better plan when to wear them. Obviously they are easy to carry, but I always put off stopping to change into rain gear until it's too late. Many commenters stated they felt Goretex was much hotter than other sock materials. Pick your poison I guess. Depending on the waterproofness of the boot to begin with, I worried about having a lot of water in the boot even though your foot remains dry as mentioned. If they are leather I would definitely try and waterproof as best possible. At that great boot price, I'd certainly give the Goretex or similar material socks a go.  Toukow

[Cool Runnings]

Not goretex but, I use these when there's a chance I might get caught out. That's quite often here.
http://www.sealskinz.com/US/socks
I use the middleweight option.

I use old fashioned style leather boots for comfort and, although I have waxed them as best I can, they certainly aren't waterproof for anything more than a shower. These socks are good. I tested them by standing in a bowl of water and my feet stayed dry.

Looking at sealskinz ($48) because REI carries them. REI has the best return policy period!

[sturgeon]

Plastic bread bags are cheaper.

[Cool Runnings]

Plastic bread bags are cheaper.

LOL 

Maybe I'll go with Aerostich Boot Raincovers ($67).

[n3303j]

Didn't find a comfort problem with Goretex. The wicking wool sock was the answer for me. Summer or winter weights as needed. Real cold days got the chemical toe warmers added. This made long rides at 10F no problem.
I was riding 24K miles per year. 10K miles were required commute. Stopped using cars about 10 years ago. A Ural took care of the ice and snow portions. It was great working when you knew EVERY day would start and end with a motorcycle ride!
YMMV

[leafman60]

Not goretex but, I use these when there's a chance I might get caught out. That's quite often here.
http://www.sealskinz.com/US/socks
I use the middleweight option.

I use old fashioned style leather boots for comfort and, although I have waxed them as best I can, they certainly aren't waterproof for anything more than a shower. These socks are good. I tested them by standing in a bowl of water and my feet stayed dry.

I have a pair of sealskin socks that I have used several times. They work.  However, I don't like the clammy feeling they give my feet on all-day runs.  Yes, the boot covers are better in that regard but the sock approach allow you to put your feet down into rivers and creeks when making off-road jaunts.

The Sidi On Road Touring Boots are my mainstay nowadays and I use them both on pavement touring and woods running. If I get in a rocky stream and have to make a preemptive daub, my feet stay dry.

[Moto]

 :1: on SealSkinz for me.

I used them on my week-long torrential rain tour of Arkansas and points south two summers ago. My boots were sopping wet the whole time but my feet stayed dry and comfy.

Since then I've upgraded my boots to the discontinued Sidi leather touring model, OnRoad? And, of course, they haven't seen rain yet.

Moto

[wjjones]

I decided to try Goretex socks and found them uncomfortable. They were rather stiff and bulky, making my boots a tighter fit.  Unless your boots already fit loosely, I'd think twice about them.  Oh, they were hard to put on my feet, too.