adidas terrex schuhe imprägnieren | GORE

Your adidas Terrex hiking shoes are more than just footwear; they're an investment in your outdoor experiences. They represent the freedom to explore trails, conquer mountains, and immerse yourself in nature, all while enjoying comfort and support. A crucial aspect of maintaining this performance, especially for models featuring GORE-TEX technology, is proper impregnation. This article delves deep into the world of waterproofing your adidas Terrex shoes, explaining the importance of the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, how to maintain it, and the best practices for keeping your feet dry and comfortable on every adventure.

Understanding the Core: GORE-TEX and the Importance of DWR

Before we dive into the "how-to," it's essential to understand the technology that makes your adidas Terrex shoes waterproof in the first place. Many Terrex models utilize GORE-TEX, a revolutionary membrane lauded for its exceptional breathability and waterproof capabilities.

GORE-TEX isn't just a coating; it's a highly engineered fabric containing billions of microscopic pores per square inch. These pores are small enough to prevent water droplets from penetrating, yet large enough to allow moisture vapor (sweat) to escape, keeping your feet dry from both external rain and internal perspiration.

However, the GORE-TEX membrane isn't the whole story. The outer fabric layer of your adidas Terrex shoes is also treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. This is a polymer applied to the exterior of the shoe that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface instead of soaking into the fabric.

DWR: The First Line of Defense

The DWR coating is absolutely crucial for several reasons:

* Breathability Enhancement: When the outer fabric becomes saturated with water, it reduces the breathability of the GORE-TEX membrane. The water blocks the pores, hindering the escape of moisture vapor and leading to clammy, uncomfortable feet. DWR prevents this saturation, allowing the GORE-TEX membrane to function optimally and maintain breathability.

* Weight Reduction: Soaked fabric adds significant weight to your shoes, making hiking more tiring and less enjoyable. DWR helps keep your shoes lighter by preventing them from absorbing water.

* Comfort and Warmth: Wet shoes are cold shoes. By preventing water absorption, DWR helps maintain a more comfortable temperature inside your shoes, especially in colder climates.

* Longevity of the Shoe: Constant saturation can degrade the materials of your shoes over time. DWR protects the outer fabric from water damage, extending the lifespan of your adidas Terrex investment.

Why DWR Fades and Needs Re-application

Unfortunately, DWR isn't permanent. Over time, it wears off due to various factors:

* Abrasion: Regular wear and tear, especially from rubbing against rocks, branches, and other surfaces, gradually removes the DWR coating.

* Dirt and Oils: Dirt, oils from your skin, and sunscreen can contaminate the DWR coating, reducing its effectiveness.

* Detergents and Cleaning Products: Harsh detergents and cleaning products can strip away the DWR coating.

* UV Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can break down the DWR polymer.

Because of these factors, it's essential to periodically re-impregnate your adidas Terrex shoes to maintain their waterproof performance. Recognizing the signs of a failing DWR is the first step in knowing when it’s time to take action.

Recognizing When to Re-Impregnate Your adidas Terrex Shoes

Here are some telltale signs that your DWR coating is wearing off and needs to be replenished:

* Water Absorption: Instead of water beading up and rolling off the surface, you'll notice that the fabric starts to absorb water, becoming darker and heavier.

* Wet Patches: Water may seep through the outer fabric, creating wet patches on the surface of your shoes.

* Reduced Breathability: You may notice your feet feeling clammy or sweaty, even in moderate conditions, indicating that the GORE-TEX membrane isn't functioning optimally due to the saturated outer fabric.

* Visible Wear: Look for areas of the shoe that experience high abrasion, such as the toe box and sides. These areas may show signs of wear and tear, indicating a loss of DWR.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to re-impregnate your adidas Terrex shoes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Impregnating Your adidas Terrex Shoes

Follow these steps to properly impregnate your adidas Terrex shoes and restore their waterproof performance:

1. Cleaning is Key: Prepare Your Shoes

Before applying any waterproofing treatment, it's crucial to thoroughly clean your shoes. This removes dirt, oils, and other contaminants that can interfere with the DWR coating's ability to bond to the fabric.

* Remove Laces and Insoles: Take out the laces and insoles from your shoes. This will allow you to clean and treat the entire surface of the shoe more effectively.

* Brush Off Loose Dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well) to remove any loose dirt, mud, or debris from the shoes.