In the UK, we know all about wet weather, but as well as being uncomfortable, did you know that getting wet feet in your footwear can also be bad for you?
When water seeps into your footwear, your skin absorbs the water causing them to become waterlogged, wrinkly and smelly. Nobody wants that! The longer your feet are wet, the greater the damage to your skin, including the formation of blisters and deep, painful cracks.
Choosing your footwear carefully might be your first line of defence against soggy, wet feet. But what’s the difference between waterproof and water resistant shoes, and which is better for wet weather?
The team at Vionic is seasoned in all-weather footwear and we’re here to dive headfirst into the waterproof vs. water resistant debate.
WATERPROOF OR WATER REPELLENT BOOTS?
So, is water resistant fabric the same as waterproof? While a lot of people use the terms interchangeably, they’re actually not the same thing, especially when they make contact on wet surfaces. When comparing water resistant vs. waterproof boots, there are a few important distinctions to make.
The main difference between water resistant and waterproof material is that the latter is unaffected by water, whereas the former merely repels moisture. Water-resistant footwear only resists moisture to a certain degree.
Take sunscreen, for example. Applying a water-resistant SPF might keep you protected while you sweat a little bit. However, if you go for a swim, you’ll have to reapply sunscreen as soon as you get out because it’s not waterproof.
Generally speaking, the same goes for a water resistant boot, such as the Inessa (above), which proves you can be fashionable, as well as practical. Theoretically, you could wear waterproof footwear and be over-protected from a light drizzle, but it doesn’t go both ways.
A water-repellent or resistant pair will hold up under a light rainfall, and yet that doesn’t mean you can also wear them while jumping in puddles. To help you take the proper steps with purchasing durable water repellent footwear, we’ve broken down water-resistant and waterproof boots in more detail below.
WATER-RESISTANT BOOTS
Water-resistant boots such as Lani (above) are meant to be worn outdoors in mild to moderate rainfall and, sometimes, light snow. They typically have thick rubber outsoles and leather, suede, faux leather or canvas uppers, which are treated to repel water and prevent water penetration. Most winter boot trends tend to use one or all of these materials.
To label a pair of shoes as water repellent, they’ll usually have to undergo ‘hydrostatic head’ testing. This type of test measures the pressure of exerted liquids. Water is forced through the shoe material to see how much pressure it can endure before leaking. Whether it’s snow boots, a hiking boot or a fashion-forward ankle boot, a water-resistant shoe should be able to tolerate 200 millimetres of water pressure.
You can wear a water-resistant winter boot for a wide range of activities, like walking, hiking, yard work or running errands. As long as your feet won’t be submerged in water for more than a few seconds, the sky’s the limit. While a water resistant boot is designed to withstand a little water exposure, they’re not like classic rubber wellies, so it’s best to side-step puddles if you can help it.
What About Water Resistant Shoes?
Another label you might see on shoes and other products is ‘durable water repellent’. This type of boot will be very similar to a water-resistant pair. In fact, water-repellency is a characteristic of water-resistance. Water-repellent products quite literally repel water exposure on contact.
Zanny (above) is a waterproof performance walking shoe, designed to take you the distance with Three-Zone Comfort and 1st Ray flex technology. This style has waterproof, drum-dyed leathers with extra finishing treatment for superior protection. Seam-Sealed Technology keeps moisture out
Here’s why you can rely on Vionic’s waterproof footwear to keep your feet dry:
• Sealed from the inside out, our impenetrable seams deliver worry-free wear
• Protection infused during the tanning process prohibits moisture transfer
• Our zips are enhanced with seam-seal tape to guard against infiltration
WATERPROOF BOOTS
A waterproof boot, such as the Karsen (above), should be able to be completely submerged without water getting inside. Unlike water-resistant shoes, which are treated to repel moisture, waterproof boots are typically made of inherently impermeable materials, like our seam-sealed waterproof shoes for women made from high-quality leather or nylon. This is the kind of footwear that’s ideal for wet weather.
You’ll often see rain boots, muck boots, duck boots and other waterproof shoes with rubber outsoles and rubber, neoprene, or polyurethane uppers which are each an example of waterproof material. These non-porous waterproof materials are relatively stiff and tend to be less comfortable than canvas, suede or leather boots. However, waterproof boots are usually lined with softer materials. A waterproof hiking boot or snow boot will most likely have insulation as well, making them super-comfy to wear.
Compared to water-resistant shoes, which can bear 200mm of pressure, waterproof footwear should be able to resist 1,000mm or more of water pressure. The idea is with this kind of water protection you can trudge through puddles, deep snow, a shallow stream or other wet conditions without worrying about getting your feet wet or damaging your boots.
Why It’s Hard to Find Footwear That’s Actually Waterproof
Though there are lots of water-resistant or repellent boots on the market, it can be tough to find shoes that are actually waterproof.
Styles like Mellie (above) have waterproof suede and canvas uppers with extra finishing treatment for superior protection. A waterproof zip with seam-seal tape means no leaks.
However, Vionic has researched and texted tirelessly in order to be able to confidently offer a range of waterproof shoes, including boots and trainers. Check out the current range here.
WEATHER-RESISTANT SHOES FOR WOMEN FROM VIONIC
At Vionic, we believe your feet shouldn’t have to get wet just because of a little rain. You can’t predict the weather, but you do have some control over your wardrobe. If rainy days are on the horizon, why not make a splash in a pair of women’s weather-resistant shoes from Vionic?
Each innovative style from Vionic is made from high-quality materials and features fashion-forward designs. In other words, you can look good and stay dry, rain or shine.
We treat the uppers of our weather-resistant shoes with a reliable coating that helps them hold up against inclement weather. And the durable rubber outsoles are designed to withstand wet environments and still provide breathability.
Whether you need fancy footwear for a rainy evening out on the town, casual trainers for standing pitchside, or something in between, we’ve got a weather-resistant pair that’s up for the job. And for an added layer of protection, you can always apply a high-quality waterproofing spray.