ELKTON, Md. (May 15, 2014) – W. L. Gore & Associates once again confirms its innovative strength by taking a historic step forward in the global footwear market. With its GORE‑TEX® SURROUND™ product technology the company unveils a radically new technology for durably waterproof hiking boots with all-around breathability. This unique construction keeps your feet drier and enhances your sense of well-being.

Hiking is a widely popular recreational activity. It is estimated that 223 million people enjoy hiking worldwide – and that figure is set to increase in the future.

The GORE‑TEX® brand is transforming the hiking experience – without compromising on comfort. Not only is the new GORE‑TEX® footwear with SURROUND™ product technology durably waterproof, it is also breathable all-around – a world first for hiking shoes. Twenty-five of the world’s leading outdoor footwear brands will be bringing the first GORE‑TEX® SURROUND™ collections to market in their coming 2015 spring lines. Casual low-cut styles, mid-cut hiking boots and technical approach shoes – these collections feature styles to suit all tastes.

Brand suppliers include Alfa, Bestard, Chriuca, Crispi, Dolomite, Hanwag, Härkila, La Sportiva, Mammut, Meindl, Salewa, Scarpa, Treksta, Viking and Zamberlan.

Enhance your hiking experience with GORE‑TEX® SURROUND™ product technology
Whether they are trekking hut to hut in the White Mountains, enjoying a full-day hike in Yosemite, or taking the dog for a long walk with their family – the one thing all hikers have in common is their love of nature and the outdoors.

“The GORE‑TEX® brand has its roots in outdoor activities in which people participate to enjoy life and explore their surroundings. These activities include not only climbing and mountaineering but also hiking – the perfect sport for people who prefer taking moderate exercise in unspoiled countryside rather than going to extremes. It was for this wide target group of hiking enthusiasts that we originally developed our GORE‑TEX® SURROUND™ product technology. We are extremely pleased that so many prestigious outdoor footwear brands have discovered the benefits of this new technology and are exploring this avenue with us,” said Marc Peikert, product specialist at Gore.

Innovative technology for rain and shine
Gore has succeeded in creating hiking footwear that delivers extended climate comfort without compromising on weather protection – the product of intensive development work. Shoes with GORE‑TEX® SURROUND™ product technology feature special GORE‑TEX® laminates that are integrated into the shoe upper and completely surround the foot – on all sides. What makes them so distinctive is that they are not only as durably waterproof as any other GORE‑TEX® product, they are also breathable all-around.

The centerpiece of the new technology is a special construction under the foot. Sweat can escape through the GORE‑TEX® laminate positioned in the underside of the shoe into the open structure of the “spacer” – and from there out of the shoe via side ventilation outlets. This unique construction keeps feet drier because the sweat produced by your feet – about one third of our sweat glands are on the soles of our feet – is transported away from feet faster. Dry feet enhance a sense of well-being and prevent rubbing and painful foot blisters from occurring.

GORE‑TEX® SURROUND™ casual and children’s footwear with open sole structure
Featuring waterproofness and all-around breathability, GORE‑TEX® SURROUND™ product technology is already being successfully used in casual and children’s footwear. However, in this case the technical solution is slightly different: excess heat and moisture are transported out of the shoe through large openings in the sole.

This construction allows footwear designers to focus on fashion elements when they are designing the shoe upper while also creating a completely new class of sole designs. On the other hand, when designing their soles, GORE‑TEX® SURROUND™ hiking footwear manufacturers can concentrate on characteristics such as grip, stability, protection and the transition from heel strike to toe off.

GORE‑TEX® casual and children’s footwear with SURROUND™ product technology is currently featured 15 footwear brands collections globally. In addition to casual and children’s footwear specialists, a growing number of outdoor brands are also choosing this product. These include Salewa, Viking and Lowa for its coming 2015 spring range.

Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE‑TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore posts annual sales of more than $3 billion and employs more than 10,000 associates with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and China, and sales offices around the world. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. The company also appears regularly on similar lists around the world. Learn more at gore.com.

GORE, GORE‑TEX, and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, ©2014 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., 295 Blue Ball Rd., Elkton, Maryland, 800-431-GORE, gore-tex.com

Cynthia Amon
+1 443 553 0333
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