This study evaluated the shear bond strength of Scotchbond 2, Clearfil PhotoBond, Tenure, All-Bond and Vitrabond and their sensitivity to dentin permeability, wetness and thickness. Occlusal dentin was prepared from extracted human teeth that were connected to a hydraulic pressure apparatus. Dentin permeability was calculated as a fluid flow rate and dentin surface wetness was evaluated using the Periotron device. Dentin thickness was measured using a pincer caliper. Shear bond strength was tested after 24 hours storage under hydrostatic pulpal pressure. Several significant correlations were found between dentin wetness, dentin permeability and remaining dentin thickness and the shear bond strengths of Scotchbond 2, Tenure and All-Bond/no etch. No apparent correlations were observed for the other adhesive systems.