Recently, so-called membrane shoes have become especially popular, which mothers are happy to buy not only for children, but also for themselves. What are its features, advantages and disadvantages?
First, let's figure out what a membrane is. This is a very thin film-polymer, microporous material. Of course, the membrane is not the main material for shoes - it plays the role of only one layer in the complex "design" of shoes and boots. As a rule, a film is fastened between the lining material and the top material, which guarantees children's feet reliable protection against moisture and cold during operation.
Membrane shoes for children: benefits
Moisture does not penetrate into shoes with a membrane because the pores of this polymer film are several thousand times smaller than water molecules . On the other hand, its pores are several hundred times larger than water vapor molecules, as a result of which the legs in such shoes “breathe”. And it is these two properties that determine the comfort of such a winter shoe. After all, as you know, during physical exertion, the legs in the shoes first sweat, and then freeze due to moisture accumulating inside. Here membrane shoes just helps moisture come out in the form of water vapor. Additional comfort in this shoe is achieved due to the high-quality material of the upper and a specially selected lining.
Membrane shoes: disadvantages
It is not recommended to buy such shoes for babies who still take walks in a stroller or inactive children. Otherwise, their legs will freeze. Shoes and boots with a membrane are designed for the child to walk in them, play, run - in general, actively move.
Another disadvantage is that shoes with a membrane are designed for temperatures not lower than -10 degrees, so for our sometimes harsh Russian winters, the baby will have to buy another pair of boots or felt boots.
Membrane shoes: rules for care
If you properly care for membrane shoes, then it can last a long time without losing its properties. So, in no case do not dry the boots on the battery or near heating appliances. Small dirt on the leather top of the product is cleaned with a brush dipped in warm water, and on a textile surface with a damp sponge. If the child soiled shoes very much, you can use baby soap. To improve the waterproof properties of shoes with a membrane, the use of special water-repellent impregnations is allowed .
Lining in membrane shoes can be made of mesh fabric, fleece or faux fur. About once a season, it needs to be cleaned, namely to remove the spools from the surface. Then you should wipe the lining material with a damp cloth or napkin, dab the excess moisture with a dry cloth and leave the shoes in a well-ventilated place until they are completely dry.
An important point is what to wear under such shoes. Moms and grandmothers traditionally prefer cotton or wool socks. But under membrane shoes, on the contrary, it is better to wear synthetic or special thermal socks. The fact is that tissues of natural origin absorb moisture very well and, therefore, will not allow it to evaporate. But synthetics just easily give up moisture, which will allow the membrane to perfectly fulfill its "duties".
Children's membrane shoes: popular brands
When choosing membrane shoes, pay attention to the labels on the labels such as “Sympatex”, “Gore-Tex” or “tec”. Well, among the popular brands of waterproof and at the same time “breathing” children's boots and boots, the following can be distinguished: Ecco (Denmark), Ricosta (Germany), Viking (Norway), Bagira Kids, Superfit (Austria), Reima, Skandia, Kuoma (Finland) , Kotofey (Russia) and others.