Normally I try to stay clear of advising others what to buy when it comes to clothing (except for Mark… I have to shop for him as well as he is one of those males that has no clue about what to buy and wear) but sometimes I am met with people who I just do not understand.
So the conversation is taking place about getting a pair of school shoes…
I say “I am going to look for some leather shoes, ideally with GORE-TEX, if I can find it”
Her: “Really? Why? I do not spend more than £10-£12 for a pair of school shoes”
Really? Why? Are your kids not worth it? I didn’t ask these questions because I wasn’t really in the mood for a lecture but maybe I should have.
Lately I was met with the response “Oh, but I couldn’t justify spending money on good quality shoes”.
How silly is that!
Ok, so maybe I am a little sensitive when it comes to footwear, I love my shoes but most of all I love good quality comfortable shoes.
I do not see myself as a snob. I do not buy things because they have a high value price tag, I do not buy things just because of the branding (oh, ok maybe sometimes)… I try to buy things which represent a good value for money but at the same time are of a good quality.
I think that shoes are very important part of our wardrobe. We spend hours every day wearing them and very often our well being and good mood depends on them.
Have you ever worn a pair of too small or too tight shoes? Or a fairly new pair of shoes which you are just wearing in? How painful and uncomfortable were you feeling? I do not understand why some people do not pay more attention to what they put on their feet.
That is one of my issues; my other issue is why some people must insist on criticizing something when they really have no idea what they are talking about. One of my friends once told me that GORE-TEX is an advertising gimmick and it doesn’t work… when asked “did you have a bad experience with it”, the answer was “no, I’ve never tried it”. So how can you say it is bad if you have never had a chance to test it?
I did try GORE-TEX shoes and clothing and I think these items are worth every penny.
Imagine a pair of shoes which can be worn all year round – hot summer day or a wet winter one – your feet will be dry and warm without sweating.
Years ago when you wanted to purchase some GORE-TEX clothing or footwear you needed to have a bit of extra money comparing to other similar pieces, today this is not really the case. Just a few weeks back I bought some GORE-TEX shoes from Clarks for £12 – yes they were on sale… but my point is – something good does not necessary mean expensive.
If you have never tried anything made with the addition of this fabric then I have copied a bit of the explanation of its history from the GORE-TEX site.
The origin of waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX outerwear, footwear, and gloves starts with five little letters: ePTFE. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or ePTFE, was created by Bob Gore in 1969 when he rapidly stretched PTFE under certain conditions. The result was an incredibly strong, microporous material with an amazing list of characteristics including low water adsorption and good weathering properties. By 1978, GORE-TEX fabric was introduced and the world met the first truly waterproof, breathable outerwear.
The secret of GORE-TEX products — which are both completely waterproof and completely breathable at the same time — lies within its revolutionary bi-component membrane. The membrane contains over 9 billion microscopic pores which are approximately 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, but 700 times bigger than a molecule of moisture vapor. So while water in its liquid form cannot penetrate the GORE-TEX membrane, as moisture vapor it can easily escape.
Waterproof, windproof and breathable: The GORE-TEX membrane makes garments durably waterproof, windproof and breathable so that you stay dry and comfortable.
Durable: Waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX outerwear is made of the very toughest fabrics and is thoroughly tested to guarantee performance even after serious wear and tear. Easy care: Just because its high tech doesn’t mean it has to be high maintenance. GORE-TEX fabric is extremely easy to take care of and won’t lose its effectiveness even after repeated washing.
Do you have any experience with GORE-TEX?
Do you like it?
Would you recommend it?
If not, do you think it is worth spending a little bit extra for a quality items which will be waterproof, windproof and breathable?
I really would love to know what you think.
Bark Time = everything and nothing 
I never buy expensive clothes for my children, but I always buy good shoes for them – their feet are too delicate to be trusted to cheap or ill fitting shoes
Mummy spent more than she usually would on a pair of salomon walking boots, they are goretx and the best shoes she has ever bought. Definitely worth it.
haha
but your Mum has you which means a lot of walking to be done 🙂
we have Gore-Tex jackets, think they are a must have for the most people who have a dog and who have to go out when it rains cats&dogs :o)
ooog gosh you with feet quality is worth it. And they will last unless it is a growth spurt.
I’ve only experienced Gore-Tex on kids’ boots. I used to buy winter shoes/boots from a little independent shoe shop near Cambridge and the Gore tex ones definitely lasted MUCH better!
I haven’t had Gortex stuff, but does look good x
I’ve never heard of Gore-Text before. When it comes to shoes, I think it makes sense to spend more on a good quality pair that will last, rather than buying cheap shoes that will fall apart after a few months wear.
My parents are big walkers and speak highly of the stuff, being a bit of a fair weather wanderer myself I have never really tried it!
I have heard of Gore Tex but never bought them. If there is one thing we do spend a lot of money on it is good quality shoes for the children. Their little feet really do need looking after as the grow x
I have not heard of Gore Tex before but it definitely sounds worth the extra money. I am with you on the decent shoes. We once bought my son a really cheap pair and I kid you not they lasted a week before we had to buy him a more expensive pair. Never again!
I have never seen gore-text shoes but will look out for them. You definitely shouldn’t skimp on children’s shoes in my opinion, there feet can be ruined. X
I’ve never bought Gore Tex but I always spend that much extra on shoes and coats as this is what protects your little ones from the elements and supports their growing bodies. x
I love gortex – especially in kids shoes as no matter how much you tell them not to walk through a puddle when not wearing wells – they do it anyway!! I have some myself now too which have been great, especially this winter
Shoes are the one thing I do make sure I spend a lot of money on.
It’s very important especially children’s shoes
Shoes and coats are equally important purchases for me!
agree with most, shoes are the one thing i’m willing to spend more on (for clothing anyway), though most of the time my finances are very low, when i do have money a good quality pair of shoes or boots can’t be beaten.
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Thanks very interesting blog!