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-round 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-round – a world first for hiking shoes. 24 of the world’s leading outdoor footwear brands will be bringing the first GORE-TEX SURROUND™ collections to market in their coming 2015 spring ranges. Casual low-cut styles, mid-cut hiking boots and technical approach shoes – these collections feature styles to suit all tastes. Enhance your hiking experience with GORE-TEX SURROUND™ product technology Regardless of whether they are walking from hut to hut in the Alps, enjoying a full day hike in the Black Forest 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 centrepiece 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 your feet drier because the sweat produced by your feet – about one third of the sweat glands on our feet, are on the soles – is transported away from your feet faster. Dry feet enhance your 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-round 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 19 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-TEX casual and children’s footwear with SURROUND™ product technology is currently featured 19 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.