When, how and why to choose barefoot shoes with a membrane: dry feet, even in the rain

Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes

Discover how a membrane works in barefoot shoes and how the right care and choice of socks can help you make the most of this technology while enjoying natural movement.

Barefoot shoes with a membrane combine natural walking with complete protection from moisture. Whether your journey takes you into the mountains, through a rainy city or across morning dew, you can enjoy all the benefits of barefoot movement while keeping your feet or your children’s feet dry.

What does a membrane do in shoes?

Whether you’re an experienced barefoot enthusiast or just discovering the joys of barefoot walking, a membrane lets you enjoy maximum freedom of movement, whatever the rain or morning dew brings.

A shoe membrane is a thin, technologically advanced layer of material between the upper and the lining that performs two key functions at once.

While it reliably prevents water from getting in, it also allows moisture and sweat to escape from the shoe.

This “smart” material works thanks to its special microporous structure: it contains millions of tiny pores that are much smaller than a drop of water, yet large enough for a water vapour molecule to pass through. It’s windproof, too.

Types of membrane

Porous membranes (TEX, Gore-Tex) look like a fine sieve under a microscope. They use a network of microscopic openings up to 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water (making them waterproof) and 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule (making them breathable).

Non-porous membranes (PTX) work like a washing-up sponge, transferring moisture through the material by means of a molecular process. They don’t absorb liquid from the outside, but take in moisture from the inside and carry it out.

In barefoot footwear, you’ll most often come across a TEX membrane, which stands out for its lightness, flexibility and durability, making it a perfect fit for the minimalist footwear philosophy. A TEX membrane offers excellent protection against moisture. Thanks to its waterproof technology, it keeps your feet dry on mountain hikes, city walks and in unexpected rain.

Glossary

Water-resistant: A material can resist water penetration for a certain time and under a certain amount of pressure, but it isn’t 100% impermeable (for example, it may withstand two hours in the rain).
Water-repellent: A surface treatment that causes water to form droplets and run off rather than soak in. Water-repellent doesn’t mean waterproof!
Waterproof: The highest level of protection against water. The material is completely impermeable to water, even with prolonged exposure and high pressure (for example, during a full day of rain).
Wind-resistant: A material’s ability to prevent wind from getting through while remaining breathable and allowing body moisture to escape.

Four benefits of barefoot shoes with a membrane

Protection from moisture: A membrane provides complete protection from moisture in any setting, whether you’re out in morning dew, caught in a sudden shower or walking through wet grass.
Breathability: The membrane allows body moisture to escape naturally, keeping your feet comfortably dry and at an optimal temperature throughout the day.
Comfort: The minimalist design of barefoot shoes, combined with a membrane, provides maximum comfort.
Versatility: You can wear shoes with a membrane for hiking, around town, to work or on everyday walks. They fit around your lifestyle all year round.

When to choose shoes with or without a membrane

Shoes with a membrane are ideal for outdoor activities all year round, especially when you expect damp conditions, rain or snow. They’re great for mountain hikes, long walks in changeable weather or everyday wear during rainy spells. Children who love barefoot shoes will appreciate them too.

On the other hand, shoes without a membrane are a better choice for very warm days, when you’ll appreciate their maximum breathability and lightness. They’re perfect for summer days in town, indoor activities or whenever you want your feet to “breathe” as much as possible.

NaBOSo tip: When choosing shoes, consider how much your feet sweat too. If your feet sweat a lot, a pair without a membrane may feel more comfortable on warmer days.

Alternatives to barefoot shoes with a membrane

A popular alternative is barefoot wellies, an ideal solution for extremely wet conditions. They’re a great choice for children and adults when you need maximum protection from water but only plan to wear them for a shorter time, such as on a rainy walk or while playing in wet grass.

Wet inside your shoes? Find the cause

Finding moisture inside your shoes can be an unpleasant surprise. To deal with it effectively, the first step is to identify where it’s coming from.

There are two main reasons why shoes with a membrane may feel damp: either the membrane has stopped working and is letting water in, or sweat is condensing inside the shoe. How can you tell the difference?

If water has soaked in from outside, dampness usually appears in specific areas, such as around seams or bends, and you’ll often see wet patches on the outer surface.
By contrast, shoes damp from sweat tend to be evenly moist throughout the inside, and the dampness appears even in dry weather.

If water has soaked into your shoes, a good-quality waterproofing treatment can help. For shoes damp from sweat, try better ventilation, good-quality performance socks or changing your shoes during the day.

Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right socks

The membrane will work reliably whatever socks you choose, but the right socks are essential for keeping your feet as comfortable as possible.

Performance socks made from synthetic materials such as Coolmax, polypropylene, polyester or elastane work well with barefoot shoes that have a membrane.

If you prefer natural materials, as we do at naBOSo, merino wool socks or socks with a high merino content are the best match for shoes with a membrane. Of the purely natural materials, merino offers the best temperature regulation. It’s naturally antibacterial, wicks sweat away well and keeps you warm even when damp.

Avoid cotton socks. Why? Cotton readily absorbs moisture and sweat and takes a long time to dry, which can lead to sweaty feet, blisters and a cold feeling inside your shoes.

Caring for shoes with a membrane

Proper care of barefoot shoes with a membrane not only extends their lifespan, but, more importantly, keeps the membrane working as it should.

Remove dust and dirt from your shoes with a soft brush, damp cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh cleaning products that could damage the membrane. Lukewarm water is all you need.
Dry them at room temperature. Never expose your shoes to a direct source of heat, such as a radiator or the sun, as this could damage the membrane’s structure and cause it to deteriorate.

Waterproofing

Regular waterproofing is a key part of caring for shoes with a membrane. It protects the material from water and dirt, as well as harsh salts during the winter months.

Always use a waterproofing product specifically designed for use on membrane materials (TEX). Conventional waterproofing products can clog the membrane’s micropores and impair its performance, particularly its breathability.

Apply waterproofing spray from a distance of approximately 20 cm over the entire surface of your clean shoes and leave them to dry. Pay particular attention to waterproofing the seams and joins, where water is most likely to get in. Repeat the treatment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, ideally every 14 days.

Give barefoot shoes with a membrane a try

Footwear with membrane technology is an essential part of the kit for active people. In our experience, all parents will appreciate children’s shoes with a membrane for children of every age, from year-round shoes to cosy winter styles.

Thanks to the exceptional properties and comfort that membrane footwear offers, this technology has gradually made its way into everyday shoes too, from trainers and autumn and winter shoes to boots.

Whether you prefer leather or vegan materials, you’ll find a pair to suit you in our range of barefoot shoes with a membrane. The filters in our online shop make choosing easier. Simply select the features you’re looking for to see only the relevant models.

The most popular barefoot shoes with a membrane at naBOSo

Barefoot shoes with a membrane are among the most popular choices in our physical shops and online. Our range includes women’s, men’s and children’s models. There are shoes for hiking, city life and winter.

Children’s barefoot shoes with a membrane

RAYVE: A Czech brand offering year-round and winter models with a membrane, known for a wide fit at the front and quality craftsmanship.
FRODDO: A Croatian manufacturer best known for leather shoes with a membrane and a distinctive medium-wide fit, ideal for year-round wear.
BEDA: A Czech brand focused on anatomical shapes, offering winter models with a membrane that are also suitable for wider feet.
AFFENZAHN: Playful children’s barefoot shoes with animal designs. The lightweight winter models come with a membrane.
BABY BARE: Czech barefoot shoes with a membrane for little ones, available in winter and year-round styles and known for their wider fit.

Barefoot shoes with a membrane for adults

KILPI: An outdoor brand offering hiking shoes with a membrane, known for robust construction and good protection against water.
XERO SHOES: Hiking models combine minimalist construction with effective protection against water. Our favourites are the lightweight trekking and running shoes with a membrane, ideal for trail running and light hiking.
RAYVE: This Czech brand offers stylish city shoes with a membrane, suitable for work and everyday wear.
GROUNDIES: A German brand making stylish shoes for the city and the outdoors, with several outdoor styles featuring a functional membrane.

Dry feet, whatever the weather

Barefoot shoes with a membrane are a great choice for children and adults who want to keep their feet dry and warm while enjoying freedom of movement and ground feel 365 days a year.

The key is to choose a quality model from a reputable brand, pick suitable socks and care for your shoes regularly with an appropriate waterproofing treatment. Then your feet will be ready to head outdoors in any weather.

When, how and why to choose barefoot shoes with a membrane: dry feet, even in the rain