WATERPROOF OR WATER RESISTANT: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

DEFINITIONS

WATERPROOF: A waterproof material or product is completely impervious to water penetration, which means no water can get in or out of the product or material. Providing sustained protection from water for a significant period of time.

WATER RESISTANT: A water resistant product or material will prevent water penetration, but only to a certain level. Therefore, it is not completely impervious to water penetration, and water will get in or out of the product or material when exposed to high levels of water.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

The fact that safety footwear may be water resistant does not guarantee it will be waterproof. This misunderstanding can cause some issues. As many people purchase work boots and rigger boots thinking they’ll keep their feet completely dry. This can lead to frustration and, even worse, damp feet. As a rule, unless safety footwear has a waterproof membrane, (which is essentially a plastic bag placed behind the material upper) it will not be completely waterproof. If you can imagine a sock made from a waterproof material that is sandwiched between the upper material and the lining, this is the membrane.