Waterproof Running Shoes made with Breathable Fabric

Today's waterproof running shoes are made mostly with a breathable waterproof fabric. An example of this fabric would be a material called Gore-Tex®. But what exactly is this fabric and how does it function? Well that is what I will be going over in this article.

A waterproof breathable fabric is a membrane made up of millions of microscopic pores all packed tightly together. These pores are designed, size wise, in such way that they are small enough to prevent water from entering the membrane but large enough to allow water vapor molecules to escape out. So basically your body heat and perspiration are allowed to vent out as your level of intensity increases, while preventing outside elements such as rain and snow from entering your shoe.

There are is another material used that helps the membrane function correctly. An oil resistance material is integrated into the fabric to help protect the membrane. Over time oils from outside elements as well as oils produced by your body build up and can cause the membrane to function incorrectly. The oil resistance material aids in helping to prevent the the membrane from breaking down overtime.

Additional the membrane is treated with a Durable Water Repellent. This Durable Water Repellent or (DWR) helps to prevent the membrane from becoming soaked with water. The repellent causes water to bead up and roll off the material. This allows the surface to remain dry enough for body sweat and heat from the body to pass through from the inside. This treatment helps the membrane maintain it's breathable feature.

The breathable fabric is a very handy feature to have for folks wearing waterproof running shoes. Especially when wearing them for long periods of time. It is also a very important feature to have as well. By allowing the sweat and heat to past through the membrane (or breath) this fabric minimizes the chances of bacteria build up that can cause fungus growth between your toes. Which in turn can lead to what I like to call stinky feet.

Now you have a general idea of what makes a waterproof running shoe waterproof and what its made up of. As stated earlier most of today's waterproof running shoes are made with a breathable fabric, so looking for a pair with this material will not be that difficult. Once you find a shoe you like I guess the biggest issue will be if they have your size and color.