Putzbrunn, (6th March, 2026) – Combat boots are among the most critical equipment components for the military and police. They are permanently in use, carry the emergency services over long distances and under changing environmental conditions – and have a direct effect on performance, safety and fatigue. However, many professional models continue to be guided by established design principles, although modern material technologies today enable fundamentally new approaches to protection, comfort and moisture management. At the same time, the application profiles are changing: higher mobility, more frequent climate changes and longer wearing times significantly increase the functional requirements. A new concept study, by the GORE-TEX® brand, illustrates what is possible with EXTRAGUARD product technology in the design and construction of combat boots for military applications and tactical boots for police and government scenarios: the protection of a combat boot, with comfort of a trainer.

"The technical basis of the concept study is the GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD upper material. It is characterised by extremely low water absorption, fast re-drying and a consistently low weight, even in wet conditions – while at the same time being highly robust and resistant," explains David Bastias, Strategic Marketing for Footwear at the GORE-TEX® brand. "This material characteristic allows for unconventional design solutions that go beyond traditional boot construction methods – especially for uppers, protection zones and moisture management."

Development without existing design patterns

The study was created with a completely new design – comparable to a technical concept model. Instead of adapting classic leather constructions or typical seams, the boots were freshly designed around GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD technology in all components. Central to this new design is the use of fewer seams, which simplifies the boots construction and improves manufacturing efficiency.  

The study also relied on an unconventional approach in the sole area: The ETPU midsoles of both prototypes come from the performance shoe sector and combine low weight, durable cushioning behavior with high flexibility. A modular torsion shank also provides the necessary stability. The total weight of the prototypes is around 1.2 kilograms per pair which is in line with the range of modern lightweight combat boots - but now offering improved wearer comfort.

Military and Police Boot Prototypes Compared

The concept study involved two prototypes for different mission profiles. Whilst both prototypes are based on the same basic design architecture and benefit from GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD construction – making them permanently waterproof and robust - they differ in the functional design of the individual components.  

The combat boot for military applications, for example, is equipped with a "Ladder Grip" profile for a secure grip on ladders and metal structures – a frequently requested criterion in military tenders. This prototype was constructed using a Coyote coloured outer with a suede-like appearance.

The tactical boot for police and government scenarios, on the other hand, was constructed using a  smoother, functionally oriented outsole. Here the focus was on walking comfort and freedom of movement in urban use. This boot was made with a black smooth leather.

Impulses for future developments

"The concept study shows the potential that arises when operational boots are consistently developed based on function and material-related design logic. This opens up a freedom in the design process which was previously hard to achieve in classical approaches," Bastias summarizes. "It opens up new avenues for the development of innovative military and tactical footwear concepts that can take full advantage of the GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD upper."

Putzbrunn (February 23, 2024) - Days of deployment in the rain, cold and hardly any time to recover: General infantry and special units brave the toughest conditions on deployment. Only the best equipment meets the requirements: EXTRAGUARD upper technology enables a completely new class of GORE-TEX combat boots and combines the advantages of a robust upper material with those of lightweight, flexible, and breathable textiles for the first time. The boots are not only permanently waterproof, breathable, and flame-retardant, but also permanently lightweight - even after a long time in wet, muddy terrain - and dry again quickly afterwards. The EXTRAGUARD technology is also characterised by a low CO₂ footprint. The response from manufacturers has been great: just a few months after the technology launch, well-known Gore partners are showing the first styles of GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD combat boots. 

Gore presents the EXTRAGUARD outer material technology at booth 7A-537 at Enforce Tac in Nuremberg from February 26 to 28, 2024.

Conventional military boots are rather heavy and not very comfortable. In addition, the water-repellent impregnation wears off as the product's service life increases: The longer the boots are exposed to moisture, the heavier the upper material becomes. They often take many hours to dry out again. If the boots have to be worn again when wet, this can draw heat from the body - resulting in cold feet.

Is light, stays light and dries quickly

EXTRAGUARD upper material sets new standards for combat boots: when dry, it is 40 percent lighter than dry leather of the same thickness. As EXTRAGUARD upper material absorbs less moisture from the outside, it remains light even when wet for long periods and dries considerably faster. EXTRAGUARD upper material is also flame-retardant.

Combination of EXTRAGUARD upper material and GORE-TEX bootie

The EXTRAGUARD upper material unfolds its full benefits in combination with the GORE SEAM® tape and the GORE-TEX bootie. The EXTRAGUARD outer material itself consists of three layers: a highly abrasion-resistant and flame-retardant outer protective layer, a functional layer for physical protection and a construction inner layer with low water absorption. During the manufacture of GORE-TEX combat boots, it is sealed with GORE SEAM® tape so that no moisture can penetrate through the seams. The upper material is integrated into the boot with the internal, waterproof, and breathable GORE-TEX bootie. The GORE-TEX bootie construction ensures that the boot is permanently waterproof, even if the water-repellent waterproofing wears off or the upper material is damaged.

Comfortable fit, easy cleaning, robust protection

The GORE-TEX combat boots prove themselves from the first minute of use: they are comfortable right from the start, do not need to be broken in and retain their shape. Their robustness offers reliable protection against sharp objects, common chemicals, and moisture. Care is extremely easy, simply rinse with water. Specific care products are not necessary. Even after months of wear in a wet environment, they remain permanently waterproof and breathable and exceed the required values in accordance with EN ISO 20345/347 many times over.

The result of years of research

"The EXTRAGUARD upper technology is the result of years of research and close collaboration with defense forces around the world," explains Martin Pfister, Product Specialist Defense Footwear at GORE-TEX Professional. "Initial feedback from military field tests in various challenging terrains confirm our laboratory results in the real world. Just a few months after the technology launch in October 2023, we have already been able to acquire well-known footwear partners who are evaluating the first models. This rapid implementation is the result of market demand and underlines the fact that we have hit a nerve with this technology."

High performance and reduced environmental impact

Function and performance have top priority at Gore because the company makes no compromises when it comes to protection and comfort. At the same time, EXTRAGUARD technology also sets new standards in terms of sustainability: the use of water and chemicals is minimized during production, and CO2 emissions are comparatively low. And finally, the longevity of the products also contributes to a better eco-balance.

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry more than 40 years ago with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric and continues to be a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore's products provide comfort and protection in demanding environments and everyday life, allowing wearers to achieve and experience more, safely, and confidently. From hiking in pouring rain to defense operations and firefighting, Gore's deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives the development of products with significant performance benefits. gore-tex.com and goretexprofessional.com

The specialist for technical functional textiles presents these system solutions at Enforce Tac 2024 in Nuremberg (February 26 - 28, 2024) at booth 7A 537.

Military clothing should always be considered as a system in which the layers are modular and compatible. This is the best way to equip soldiers for a wide range of conditions and situations, from arctic to the desert, from training and maneuvers to combat. Armies procure a toolbox of clothing and footwear that can be expanded and updated over time, where new technologies can be added to an existing clothing system over time - just like updating software.

Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU system) - from the Arctic to the desert and jungle

A prime example is the Scandinavian multinational combat clothing system, the Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU system). It was developed by the NCU group, including GORE-TEX Professional fabrics, for the Nordic Defense Cooperation (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden). The system consists of several layers - from underwear to an insulated jacket - that work together to create a garment that is more than the sum of its parts. The NCU system is designed so that there are some core garments that are always worn, and then the user selects reinforcing garments either under or on top of the basic configuration, depending on the climatic conditions and mission profile.

GORE-TEX Technologies for the Highest Levels of Protection

Gore’s laminates for military clothing systems can be flexibly equipped with proven GORE-TEX technologies to ensure highest fit-for-use – be it mid-layer, outer layer or high insulation layer: 

GORE-TEX membrane for durably waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection, WINDSTOPPER® fabric technology by GORE-TEX LABS for total windproofness, and insulation protection, PYRAD® technology for heat, flame and flash-fire protection and GORE-TEX Stretch product technology for optimal freedom of movement.

Gore’s extensive biophysics lab capabilities ensure performance

While each element of such military clothing systems must perform on its own, the key to overall performance lies in the interoperability of the individual elements of the system. "Even with computer simulations, real-world performance requires solid data from labs and field tests. Gore has a wide range of biophysics lab capabilities, including durability and wet labs, a rain tower, and an environmental and comfort chamber, which sets us apart from the competition," says Oliver Opitz, product specialist at Gore for the Armed Forces. Staying with the example of the Northern Combat Uniform, the system has been extensively tested in Gore's laboratories to ensure that it meets or exceeds performance requirements. But nothing beats testing by soldiers in the field. The feedback from these extensive field tests confirms that the system's fabric is doing what it was designed to do: The highest level of protection and comfort in the roughest of conditions and missions.

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Fabric more than 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. gore-tex.com and goretexprofessional.com

Paul Jennewein is a product specialist for flame-retardant (FR) mission combat clothing at GORE-TEX Professional. At the test site, he wants to test two scenarios that users in the military are exposed to: one is an accident during refueling of a vehicle or aircraft, and the second scenario involves an infantryman who gets caught in the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED). The tests were performed by a professional stunt team in a controlled environment, secured by fire fighters.

Accident during refueling of military vehicles or aircraft

When refueling vehicles and aircraft under combat conditions at all times of the day and night, fuel frequently spills onto the clothing of the refuelers. Clothing wetted with flammable fuel can subsequently be ignited by contact with an ignition source such as sparks, extremely hot surfaces or the like. A Defense FR rain suit with GORE-TEX PYRAD® technology was tested. Jan Singh simulated this tank accident by spraying the right side of the suit with diesel and gasoline and then igniting it close to the ground by means of a small gas deflagration.

Heat and flames from improvised explosive device

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) unfortunately continue to be a threat for soldiers on missions globally. In this scenario, the effects of the heat and flames caused by an IED on mission combat clothing are examined. Flame-retardant combat uniform made of PYRAD® fabric technology By GORE-TEX LABS, as worn by defense personnel in many European countries, is used. Jan Singh simulated this scene using two large initial gas explosions and a continuously burning gas flame as an additional heat source. Lycopodium was used as an additional fire effect in the background.

The new GORE-TEX stretch rain suit for defense applications is a true game-changer for military personnel. Soldiers must run, climb, crawl, or operate weapons in any weather and often with limited space. They must be able to rely on their equipment, including their clothing. Gore research found that lower thermal burden and greater freedom of movement are two of the top user requirements. The new product technology is constructed in a way that elastic components are placed between a stretch membrane and robust polyamide face fabrics. The result is that the stretchability of up to 20% allows garment designs with a more tailored fit. Tighter fitting leads to reduced air gaps between the body and the outer shell and thus increased breathability by up to 25% as compared to current GORE-TEX rain suits.  

Two former special forces soldiers tested the garment not only in a parkour setting but also in a simulated reconnaissance mission! Here's their story!

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. https://www.goretexprofessional.com/uk

To me, Paul Jennewein is like MacGuyver: he has every piece of gear you can think of with him in testing situations. Paul is a product specialist for flame-retardant (FR) mission combat clothing. At the test site, he immediately feels at home and tells me that he wants to test two scenarios that users in the military are exposed to: one is an accident during refueling of a vehicle or aircraft, and the second scenario involves an infantryman who gets caught in the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED). The tests were performed by a professional stunt team in a controlled environment, secured by fire fighters.

Accident during refueling of military vehicles or aircraft

When refueling vehicles and aircraft under combat conditions at all times of the day and night, fuel frequently spills onto the clothing of the refuelers. Clothing wetted with flammable fuel can subsequently be ignited by contact with an ignition source such as sparks, extremely hot surfaces or the like. A Defense FR rain suit with GORE-TEX PYRAD® technology was tested. Jan Singh simulated this tank accident by spraying the right side of the suit with diesel and gasoline and then igniting it close to the ground by means of a small gas deflagration.

Heat and flames from improvised explosive device

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) unfortunately continue to be a threat for soldiers on missions globally. In this scenario, the effects of the heat and flames caused by an IED on mission combat clothing are examined. Flame-retardant combat uniform made of PYRAD® fabric technology By GORE-TEX LABS, as worn by defense personnel in many European countries, is used. Jan Singh simulated this scene using two large initial gas explosions and a continuously burning gas flame as an additional heat source. Lycopodium was used as an additional fire effect in the background.

The Nordic Combat Uniform is the first NORDEFCO procurement of its kind as it is the first time Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway join forces in a single procurement effort.

• Four nations signing this contract is a beneficiary and tremendous achievement for joint procurement of uniform systems and provides good solutions for the soldiers, says brigadier Øyvind Kvalvik head of Land Systems division in the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA).
• Although this is a joint procurement, each nation has signed individual contracts with the same contract terms, and the cooperation will continue during the contract period, says Finnish Major-general Kari Renko.

The Nordic nations requires a modern, functional and flexible combat uniform system in order to meet their military requirements in demanding Nordic climatic conditions. The system also includes configurations for jungle and arid desert conditions typical for international operations.

“The uniform system is a significant improvement for the soldiers in all four nations, and is designed to have an equal functionality and fit for both genders”, explains head of Logistics FMV, Jennifer Skjäl-Lundgren 

One system, one design
The NCU clothing system includes uniform configurations from underwear to outer layers.  

“The configurations are the same in all countries, but each nation will use its own national camouflage pattern on outer layers”, says Danish Major-General Christian Brejner Ishøj.

Also exempted are smaller items such as headgear, gloves, footwear or personal protective equipment. These are not part of the framework agreement, and will be procured by each nation independently.

Consortium

The NCU system has been developed as joint effort of a core group of partners known for their long-time commitment to innovation. Oskar Pedersen AS is the contractor and Layers AS the project manager. The manufacturing and technological partners of the system are: Siamidis SA – Lead technical solution, manufacturer of the combat, cold & wet weather layers, W.L Gore & Associates GmbH - Technology provider for the system, Aclima AS & Woolpower AB – Wool underwear.

“Working together with some of the best companies within the industry and engaging in various technological fields from wool underwear to lightweight rainwear was really challenging and equally rewarding for us. We learned a lot and are very much looking forward to the cooperation ahead”, says Carl Henrik Myhre, managing director in Layers. “We challenged ourselves to offer a European based technology-oriented system. This gave us a highly reliable value chain with focus on ethics, human rights, and environmental topics. The main manufacturer has their power source from their own renewable solar energy with a CO2 surplus equal to 3.6 million m2 of forest”, says Carl Henrik Myhre.

Facts: 
The Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The overall purpose of NORDEFCO is to strengthen the participants’ national defense, explore common synergies and facilitate efficient common solutions.

For more information: Nordefco