Gore footwear technology makes boots work harder

11/01/2013
Gore-Tex’s Extended Comfort Footwear technology has been put into military and law enforcement boots, with Reebok, the Belleville Boot Company, Propper International and Shoe Technology Company choosing the membrane for their latest ranges.

Originally engineered for military use in desert and jungle climates, the technology provides breathability that is equal to or higher than non-waterproof footwear, according to Gore-Tex maker WL Gore & Associates. It delivers protection from rain while allowing moisture to escape from the boot. The single-wall construction eliminates the need for extra lining, making the footwear lightweight.

Gore said that in tests, the new boots retained 90% less water than comparable boots, and dry out faster.

Bill Candy, a footwear product specialist at Gore, said: “These professionals like the support and protection provided by tactical boots, but they can get very warm in the summer seasons. We developed the extended comfort technology to provide a lightweight solution that is more comfortable so the boots can be worn all day long and all year long, regardless of the weather."