GORE-TEX® is a so-called PTFE (polytetraflourethylene) membrane. The GORE-TEX® material is strong, elastic and highly resistant to various chemicals. Furthermore, it has an extremely low adhesion (everyone knows Teflon's slip-easy effect). The membrane is ultra-thin (fractions of a millimeter thick) and it is so-called semipermeable (= semi-permeable). The membrane allows water in steam form as body sweats to pass out, while water in droplet form cannot pass in.
This is due to the difference in size: steam molecules are much smaller than water in drops.

The basic material, which is used in both clothes and shoes. The main ingredient of a GORE-TEX® product, the membrane itself, is most often not visible. Nevertheless, it is absolutely essential for the function. In 1969, Bob Gore invented a way to expand polytetraflouretylene into a microporous material. This material, PTFE, turned out to have a unique combination of properties. Until then, there were materials that allowed water vapour to slip through and other materials that were completely waterproof, but no material that had both of these properties. Bob Gore's expanded PTFE membrane is now known by the brand name GORE-TEX®. This material has pores, cavities between the fibers. These cavities are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule. This makes the material completely waterproof, while allowing moisture to penetrate. In addition, the material has been shown to have a whole range of other properties (temperature and chemical resistance, high durability, electrical insulating capacity), which means that new applications are still being discovered every day. In order to carry on the unique properties of a jacket or pair of trousers, the GORE-TEX® membrane is always laminated to one or more layers of fabric. The outer layer of fabric is most often impregnated in order for the raindrops to bounce off and roll down the surface of the garment. All seams in GORE-TEX® clothing or shoes are taped with a specially developed super-strong but flexible tape to make them completely waterproof. Would you like to know more about the secret of the GORE-TEX® material?
Then click on the www.gore-tex.se

The openings in the membrane are so large that they allow water on steam form to pass, but at the same time the openings are so small that water in droplet form is held back. Steam molecules are several times smaller than water droplets. Steam from the inside escapes, but water on the outside remains outside, so the footwear is 100% waterproof. Gore-TEX® function is double: the footwear must be 100% waterproof, but at the same time the feet must be able to breathe, i.e. get rid of the steam that is the result of muscle work in the feet. Moisture from the feet should be able to get away so that the indoor climate remains good. Wet/damp feet are an excellent cold bridge, and cold, dank feet have given many sick days before the GORE-TEX® was invented. Since active feet excrete surprisingly large amounts of steam/water (up to one cup of water per day), something effective needs to be done.

The membrane is protected between upper leather and lined (see Figure 1 opposite). On both sides of the membrane, on both the inside and the outside, lies a protective layer. These protective layers prevent the membrane from being damaged by wear from the inside and friction from stitching, hooking etc. on the outside of the membrane.

Gore-TEX® membrane as such does not need any care, yet it is a good idea to impregnate and care for footwear with membrane. A brand new shoe/boot should be impregnated sometimes before being used (even preferably under the soles) – whether it is made of leather, textile or other material. The purpose of the waterproofing is not to improve the waterproofness itself – because it is handled by the membrane. The purpose is almost like growing a car: Properly impregnated, the materials become powerfully dirt and water resistant.

Gore-TEX itself®en is a very stable and strong material that withstands high heat levels. This means you can dry (children's) boots in a drying cabinet. However, one should be aware that leather does not tolerate being warmed up too much as it dries out. The best way to dry leather is to take the insoles out of the footwear and, in good old-fashioned fashion, wipe the boots with newsprint (or paper towel) inside – at room temperature. After this, the leather must be given new nourishment in the form of a care product.

The most important rule is not to use silicone-containing care products, as these close the membrane and thus for the breathing function – turning the boot into a non-breathable 'rubber boot'. All the usual care products can be used, but it is important that the declaration on the care product positively indicates that the care product can be used for GORE-TEX®.

ECCO GORE-TEX® boots/shoes are generally produced in 3 types of materials
Smooth leather
Oil nibuck/nubuck
Textile materials

Smooth leather:
In the old days, before GORE-TEX®, silicone was heavily impregnated and a thick layer of high-fat leather polish was smeared. It's also OK because it protects the leather and makes it almost waterproof. But at the same time, breathability disappears for a walk, so that the feet "boil". Leather grease is therefore not a good idea anymore.
Use TexCare Waterproofing Spray. Also spray the footwear under the soles. The waterproofing ensures that the leather does not suck as much water and does not take so much dirt. Water is also a problem when drying the footwear, because leather soaked by water in the long term will crack. For daily maintenance: Use shoe polish in the color of the leather. Shoe polish is to some extent cosmetic, but also contains wax which further protects the footwear and adds fat to it. TexCare Leatherlotion also adds necessary fats that prevent the leather from cracking and is uncolored.

Oilnubuck: Impregnated as leather and maintained with a beeswax spray agent, e.g. Rustical. (Oilnubuck is leather that is roughed up and then applied a thin-flowing, waxy fat.)

Nubuck: Impregnated and maintained with TexCare Waterproofing Spray. If necessary, rue up with a suede sponge before impregnating.

Textiles: Here, TexCare Waterproofing Spray is used – also on a daily basis.

Don't worry about washing your GORE-TEX® clothes. The function, comfort and longevity of the clothes are only improved by washing it when necessary.

Always re-impregnate after washing.

As a general rule, you need to follow the washing instructions that sit in the clothes. Most clothes can be machine washed at 40°C. Use a mild detergent and do not use fabric softener or bleach. Rinse your clothes several times. If you need to remove strong stains, use TexCare Stain Remover. You should always first test the colour identity of the fabric in a place that cannot be seen. Always re-impregnate after washing.

After each wash and long use, we recommend that you re-impregnate the clothes. The GORE-TEX® membrane remains completely waterproof, but the waterproofing helps the outer layer of the garment to repel dirt and water. TexCare® Waterproofing is extremely suitable.

Wash the shoes in lukewarm water and use a brush if they are very dirty as needed. Let the shoes dry at room temperature. Leather shoes should be sprayed with TexCare Waterproofing (TexCare Waterproofing), which is repellent to dirt and water. Then grease with shoe cream, or TexCare Leatherlotion. The leather stays soft and supple, without covering the pores, thereby deteriorating the spirit capacity.