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Seamgrip and goretex?

Original Post
Tomtomtomtom · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 0

Hiya, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this combination?
I have a pair of goretex hiking boots that were expensive enough to want to save them. They have some fingersized holes in the goretex fabric but for the rest they're good (apart from their smell perhaps). I still wear them for any hike but wet feet is starting to bug me. Another reason to keep them is they have that lip at the heel for crampons. I dont' swing that way so I'll never buy a boot specifically for that, but I have a couple of friends who do like to climb cold stuff. It might be good to keep these boots alive as there has been talk of potentially dragging me along some day.

So anyway, will it stick? I've never used seam grip before but I have a tube lying handy...

Ryan Williams · · London (sort of) · Joined May 2009 · Points: 1,245

I don't think you have a chance at making those boots waterproof again.

ADKMan · · Upstate New York · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 0

I think it depends a bit on why the "fingersized holes" are there. If this is a result of normal wear and tear then there is probably no chance the seamgrip alone will do the trick. If this is the case, the goretex lining is probably weak and comprimised in other areas as well and most likely is beyond reasonable repair.

If the holes are there because of a specific event or "trauma" to the boot and not due to normal wear the seamgrip might have a chance of sealing things up.

Good luck!

David Appelhans · · Broomfield, CO · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 410

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Freesole. It is rubbery, can be applied in varying thicknesses, bonds like a glue, and is waterproof. You might need a piece of tape or something backing the hole to give it something to dry against, but you can definitely patch the holes with freesole.

ColinM McKim · · Frederick, CO · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 50

I've used SeamGrip to glue GoreTex fabric and it adheres fine. GoreTex in footwear is kinda a joke in my opinion since it doesn't breathe well enough when under leather and other fabric. I have 2 pairs of boots with GoreTex liners and my feet wind up wet from my own perspiration. If you want waterproofness, I'd recommend just treating the outside of the boots. The Nikwax products for this work well, or if you've got a full-grain leather outer I'd recommend Obenaufs LP paste.

Ben Brotelho · · Albany, NY · Joined May 2011 · Points: 520

Seam grip is the shit! It will be great on the boots! I agree that you should treat them afterwards though.

Tomtomtomtom · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 0

Allright, seamgrip it is then!
The damage is at a seam on the side. It looks alot like this boot . Where the dark black felt lower lining is stitched to the normal black upper lining. The reason for the damage is because I've used the shoe on my motorcycle for half a year, using the shifting lever with it. The damage isn't because its just too worn out and falling apart, and I've stopped using it on my motorcycle so its safe to repair it.
I have waterproofing treatment, it works great. You can see the droplets of water rolling over the fabric of the shoe and then entering the hole at my toe. :)

Thanks everyone. :)

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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