Waterproof Technologies in our Safety Footwear, at protexU
A number of our safety footwear models are waterproof thanks to technology such as Gore-tex and HDry, or waterproof dropliners inside the shoes - but what is Gore-tex and HDry, and what are their benefits?
Here, you’ll find out about different waterproof technologies, safety standards, and see the models we stock to help you make the right decision when looking for your next pair of waterproof safety footwear.
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First of all, it is important to note the difference between Water Resistant footwear, and Waterproof footwear.
Water-resistant footwear protects the wearer from light or infrequent exposure to water such as occasional rain, but will let water in eventually. This is appropriate for working environments that may be wet on occasion, such as in light rainfall or shallow puddles, but where the footwear will not be submerged in water for extended periods of time. Water-resistant footwear are classed as S2 and S3.
Waterproof footwear will be made with a specific waterproof membrane sewn into the lining which water will not penetrate. Or will be made with Gore-tex or HDRY technology, both of which will not allow water into the boot. Waterproof footwear has to be tested to a high standard (in a specific depth of water for a certain amount of time) to ensure water does not enter the footwear. This will be necessary for environments where the footwear will be submerged in water, or where water will have the opportunity to enter the footwear. Waterproof footwear classes start at S4, and include S5, S6, and S7.
Gore-tex Technology
Waterproof and breathable, Gore-Tex allows moisture (perspiration) to evaporate, keeping your feet dry and comfortable at all times.
The Gore-Tex membrane possesses microscopic pores 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule. This unique combination stops water from penetrating, offering a long-lasting waterproofness and a very high breathability throughout the working day.
Gore-Tex Footwear by far exceeds the requirements of the standard EN ISO 20345/347 with respect to waterproofness, breathability and durability. Let’s put that in context:
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Gore-Tex Footwear has to withstand up to 300,000 flex movements (80 hours) in anklehigh water - without allowing one single drop of water to penetrate inside the boot. EN ISO standard 20344 requires only 4,800 flexes (80 minutes) and 3 cm2 water entry is allowed.
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The materials used in Gore-Tex Footwear achieve a breathability value up to six times higher than the values specified in EN ISO standard 20345/47.
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Inner lining and upper materials of Gore-Tex footwear have to withstand up to four times more abrasion movement than specified in by the EN ISO standard.
HDRY® Technology
HDRY® uses an innovative lamination process to laminate a membrane directly onto the inner surface of the footwear uppers, and completely seals every potential point where water could get in, greatly improving performance and comfort compared to traditional membranes used in combination with a lining.
It leaves no space between the upper and the membrane and does not allow water to penetrate into the shoe - there is therefore no increase in weight and the footwear dries more quickly.
Designed specifically for foot protection, HDRY® uses a hydrophilic membrane that is extremely breathable and has a high sweat dispersion capability (SATRA TM 47 test). It leaves an ample dry air space between the membrane and foot, allowing ideal conditions to be maintained.
The HDRY® membrane has an exceptional elasticity and resistance to repeated flexing.
There are three clear advantages of HDRY® Technology:
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Lightweight: the weight of a wet shoe is significantly reduced because it does not become saturated and filled with water
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Breathability: as a result of less saturation, breathability is improved – helping with keeping your feet dry
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Quicker Drying: as the footwear is not getting filled with water, they do not take as long to dry, which means you are able to wear them throughout the working week without having to unnaturally speed up the drying process (for example, leaving them on a radiator, using a hairdryer, etc - which damages the footwear longterm).
EN ISO 20345:2022: - The International Standard for Safety Footwear
This standard replaces the older EN ISO 20345:2011 standard, and introduces S6 and S7 classes to indicate enhanced water resistance beyond the traditional S5 level.
So what are the classes for waterproof footwear?
Safety footwear standards categories go from SB up to S7, but only some will categorise footwear as waterproof.
S4 - Typically Wellington boots; this type of footwear is waterproof due to its rubber or polymer construction. S4 boots don’t come with midsole protection.
S5 - Just like S4, but with the addition of midsole protection.
S6 - These are often described as being ‘waterproof throughout the whole piece of footwear,’ meaning they have a waterproof membrane, so can be submerged in water and the feet inside would stay dry. S6 boots have no midsole protection.
S7 - Are waterproof, to the same level as S6 footwear, but with the addition of midsole protection.
WR - The ‘WR’ code will be applied to a safety boot that has whole shoe waterproofing. Sometimes, footwear that is not S4, S5, S6, or S7 Rated can be given the WR code if it has a waterproof lining or waterproof technology. Such as an S1 Rated boot, with waterproofing technology.
Some of our Waterproof Footwear Models include:
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Sixton MARMOLADA Safety Boot S7S SR ESD with HDry and D3O Technology
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Sixton Stelvio HDry Waterproof Safety Boots Nubuck Leather Vibram Sole
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Sixton Safety Boots Corvara HDry Waterproof Black Nubuck Leather
If you require waterproof footwear for yourself or your employees, but would like some advice on which styles would suit your work best, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are happy to provide further information and guidance, supported by our suppliers at Sixton, Heckel, Portwest, and more.