Rough Out Boots - Cooler?

[Neognosis]

I have heard that rough out boots are cooler in the heat and that they dissipate sweat better.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

I would love an excuse to have a pair of rough outs that I could pretend I bought because they were more suited to the hot new york summers than my smoothe out boots....

 

[Acmemfg]

New one on me. I do know that it is always ill advised to use polish or other sealants (like Sno-Seal, etc) because it will clog up leather pores and not allow the leather to "breathe" as it should.

Quote below from Dayton Boots of Vancouver BC; a premier boot manufacturer since 1946

"What do I use to treat my boots? Can I use polish?

We recommend our OK Oil to ensure the long life of your boots. Alternatively, anything that contains all natural ingredients. Please don’t use shoe polish, animal fats or silicone-based products.
Shoe polish clogs the pores of the leather and leather needs to breathe. The only exception to this rule is on our boots that have a “Chrome” finish like on the Beauties, Drivers or Parade/Police boots. These will welcome a good paste or wax and should polish up to a great shine.
You should oil your boots about every 4-6 weeks, depending on the extent of the wear and the elements."

 

[Mercer16]

Just curious, Neognosis -- what type of rough-out boots are you referring to -- work, cowboy, dress, etc.?

 

[Neognosis]

Work boots.... something like the Red Wing Iron Rangers, or a White's in any kind of rough-out leather...

 

[Gunney]

Work boots.... something like the Red Wing Iron Rangers, or a White's in any kind of rough-out leather...

Not particularly a fan of rough-outs. Once you get any kind of oil (motor) or other crap on them, the stain is permanent. I don't find them to be cooler (temp) either. I have a pair of bates, non goretex, roughout combat boots, and boy do my feet sweat...

For what it is worth, unless you are playing out in the sand, I would stick with regular smooth-out boots, especially for workboots. After all, roughouts are really just designed for the desert.

 

[packersfan117]

I have used both roughouts and smooth outs and I don't find any appreciable difference in heat.

 

[Neognosis]

After all, roughouts are really just designed for the desert.

Why is that? What is it about roughouts that makes them designed for the desert?

 

[NCJack]

No difference. The advantages to roughout are numerous, and I really question that "no polish" quote. The tougher part is now on the outside, the more water resistant part is inside and protected. I started backpacking in the '60s and roughouts were recommended by just about everyone, and no one said "no Sno-Seal". Funny how it took the Army so long to catch up, but I've always thought it was because some "Regulation" spit and polish types didn't like them because they can't shine and look pretty.


As Gunney points out, they will hold a stain, so if you're getting them for a fashion statement, consider that. For boots being purpose-used (hiking, working) who cares?

 

[Neognosis]

So..... the advantages of roughout leather are...what?

They are more abrasion or scratch resistant?

 

[NCJack]

So..... the advantages of roughout leather are...what?

They are more abrasion or scratch resistant?

The outside layer of hide is the most water resistant, but cuts and scratches degrade that. The roughout side, while also tougher can take those same cuts without any hurt to the watertight integrity. Additionally, if they are beat up, it doesn't show as badly, and they can be brushed up like suede, with stiff bristles (if this matters)

 

[Neognosis]

The outside layer of hide is the most water resistant, but cuts and scratches degrade that. The roughout side, while also tougher can take those same cuts without any hurt to the watertight integrity.

I see.

Why are they mostly used, it seems, by our Military in the desert? I'm so confused... I have decided on either chromexcel or horsehide at this point, so I guess it doesn't really matter. But thank you everyone for your contributions.