How to care for footwear with GORE-TEX technology
GORE-TEX footwear can almost always be washed by hand. However, exactly how you wash your footwear will depend on the materials used and a few basic rules.
Step 1: Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions
GORE-TEX shoes are not all the same. The water resistant and breathable GORE-TEX membrane is what turns normal footwear into functional outdoor footgear. The membrane has billions of microscopic pores and to ensure its function it needs special care. Footwear manufacturers will always know the best way to care for their products. Before washing always check inside your footwear for any particular washing instructions.
Step 2: Shake off loose dirt
Before washing shake out any sand, gravel and dirt from inside your GORE-TEX footwear. Also remove and shake out the foot bed or insole.
Step 3: How to wash GORE-TEX footwear
In theory, GORE-TEX footwear made of synthetic materials can be machine washed on a delicate cycle. However, you should bear in mind that this could invalidate your warranty. As for leather footwear, there is no alternative to washing it by hand. Carefully wipe away any dirt with a soft cloth and lukewarm water, but no detergent. If you want to remove dirt from inside your GORE-TEX footwear, you can use lukewarm water and a small amount of liquid detergent, or a specific functional clothing detergent. Using a sponge gently rub the detergent into the lining of the shoe to get out all the sweat and dirt. Machine washing GORE-TEX footwear GORE-TEX footwear made of synthetic materials can be machine washed if this is recommended in the manufacturer’s care instructions. Remove the insoles from the shoes and wash them separately. Machine wash your shoes on a gentle cycle at 40°C or lower. Use a small amount of liquid detergent, or a specific functional clothing detergent. Set the spin speed to 800 rpm or lower. Never use fabric softeners, stain removers, bleach or powder detergents as they can easily clog the pores of the GORE-TEX membrane.
Step 4: How to dry GORE-TEX footwear
Leave your footwear to dry naturally at a moderate temperature but avoiding direct sunlight. After washing it’s also a good idea to restore the water repellency by applying a re-proofing spray. By the way, if your footwear is still a bit smelly you can use a spray to freshen things up. This will not affect the performance of the membrane. What could be easier! Here we explain how to care for your GORE-TEX clothing.
