Waterproof and Water Resistance: A Difference Not to Be Overlooked

Water Resistance

Initially, the materials used in work boots are not water-resistant; rather, their construction and various treatments provide this characteristic.

Leather, by itself, is not water-resistant. Applying a specialized product will make the boot resistant to "light rain." To achieve "high water resistance," a specific process during the leather tanning is required. Additionally, the fabric and seams provide another path through which water can enter. Therefore, boots must be designed and manufactured to be water-resistant.

Waterproof

While water resistance diminishes with use and wear of the materials, waterproof is for life! It's important to understand that a boot deemed waterproof prevents any water infiltration for its entire useful life.

Have you heard of R-DRY^TM? Although other options exist, it is the most effective waterproof membrane designed by ROYER®. This technology is used to waterproof many of our work boots. Made from expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), the membrane features 1.4 billion pores, 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, which prevents water from penetrating the fabric and reaching your feet. Additionally, these pores are large enough to allow vapor from your sweat to escape.

An Important Difference to Understand

The importance of understanding the difference between "waterproofing" and "water resistance" relates to your expectations of the product you purchase. If you buy a water-resistant boot and work with your feet submerged in water, you might be surprised when your socks are, of course, soaked.