what do you guys think of Gore tex hiking boots?

does the Gore tex membrane weaken the boots integrity in long term?

I read reviews of some boots which the membrane extra pieces cause blister and breakdown.

Love the ones I've been wearing since 1999 (same model, several different pair).

I've worn the sole out on all mine - no other wear issues with the boots. I wear them year around (including in snow)

http://www.rei.com/product/796065/lowa-renegade-gtx-mid-hiking-boots-womens

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots


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I don't think Gore-tex makes any significant difference. I wore Vasque Sundowners with Gore-tex liners, often hiking in tall wet grass. They were excellent. Later on the Gore-tex lining developed holes and tears. In the same conditions, they were still excellent boots. I did keep the leather outer layer in good condition.

Various other factors in boot design, construction, and maintenance are far more critical.

I have Gore-tex lined Danner combat boots.Still going strong after ten years.These are also thinsulate lined and I only wear them in winter months.....


BOATMAN
John

I have had Gore-Tex lined boots from a variety of companies: Danner, Scarpa, Lowa, Vasque, North Face, etc. I always wore out the soles before the uppers or the Gore-tex lining showed much wear at all. They are great for cold and wet conditions. I generally use them year around, my feet sweat in sandals so the Gore-Tex is no worse, just a bit warmer. I look for the durability of the boot and how well they wear on my feet. everyone is different, so you have to do a bit of discovery learning to see what works for you. My favorites were Vasque and Scarpa.

I agree with everyone. I bought a pair of Danner Go Devils (think they're called Ft. Lewis now)in '91 and they are STILL in amazing shape. They are definitely winter boots for me, which is why they aren't worn through yet. The Gore Tex & Thinsulate are fantastic.

If your primary climate or use is retaining some body heat and stomping around in wet stuff, gortex boots do great. Take them someplace warmer, IMO anything over about 60 degrees and they are too hot. And if they get soaked, they take much longer (again IMO) than non-gortex boot to dry out. YMMV.

Ditto what comms and Montanero said.

For warm weather I've switched over to Keen Voyageurs which have mesh panels in the side that allow water to drain out and give good ventilation.

Both concerns seems highly unlikely.

I'm more concerned about the bending action of the boot wearing out the nice water proof goretex membrane. It is very thin and delicate. Once punctured the boot isn't very water proof anymore... None of the gtx running shoes I've had stayed water proof for long.

Hiking boots are typically much more sturdy, with less bending in them, so the membrane should stay intact longer. I've never had any hiking boots with membrane (I'm a big fan of Lundhag's "luffare" for boots), but I know plenty that has tried them. They seem pretty much divided into two camps: One advocating the gtx membrane in their boots as the greatest thing since sliced bread. The other group says stuff like "great until the membrane punctures".

I have the men´s version of these boots. I am very satisfied.
I also wear them for motorcycling. That puts extra stress on the left boot. The boot are still fine after 6 years.
Crucial points are the maintenance of the exterior (keep clean and use the proper wax), good socks and wear the socks in way that does not allow them to wick the moisture from the grass into your boots.
Blisters are a common sign for bad fit and premature breakdown is a sign for poor engineering and/ or poor manufacturing quality. That is not exclusive to GoreTex boots.
BTW: The Lowa Renegade fits my feet like tailor made but a colleague can´t wear them because of the poor fit. Note that this boot also comes in different widths. If the Mid does not fit, maybe a different width does.

I pretty much agree with this. I live/work/play in an environment that is more often wet and cold, and think highly of GoreTex boots. That said, I occasionally get the chance to hike in warm climates, and since I own mostly GoreTex boots, that's what I mostly use there also. So far, hot feet have not kept me from doing what I want to do.

For any boot, GoreTex or not, fit and construction are crucial. If boots don't fit right, they won't work well for you no matter what they are made of. Fit is of course highly personal. And if they aren't well made they won't last long. Well make boots generally are more expensive. As I get older, I find I like light weight boots a lot. However, making boots lighter almost inevitably involves some compromises with durability. Just means I have to replace them a bit more often.

As Montanero notes there are a variety of manufacturers, and what works best for one person might not work for another. Lately I've found I really like boots and shoes from Oboz. They give me a good fit, and seem to hold together well.