·       BUILT WITH GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY for EXTREME ROBUSTNESS AND LASTING LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE.

·       STUDY DEMONSTRATES CONSTRUCTION ADVANTAGES FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE AND EFFICIENT PRODUCTION.

Putzbrunn, (6 November 2025) – The GORE-TEX® Brand, a global leader in high-performance waterproof, windproof, and breathable fabric technologies has unveiled a concept study for the future of combat and safety footwear. The prototype highlights Gore’s commitment to ongoing research and development, exploring how innovative materials and construction methods can meet the demands of evolving mission profiles, harsher climates, and heightened comfort expectations. It exemplifies how performance, protection, and modern design can converge in a forward-thinking concept.

“Conventional tactical and combat boots made from leather are often heavy, uncomfortable and slow to dry when exposed to water or extreme climates. In contrast, our EXTRAGUARD Upper can help overcome limitations of traditional leather constructions, increasing comfort and protection,” says David Bastias, Strategic Marketing for Footwear at the GORE-TEX® Brand. “Adding the EXTRAGUARD Upper Technology offers extremely low water uptake, rapid re-dry, and consistent weight under wet conditions while also delivering the robustness and element protection defense operations demand. This balance of comfort and durability marks a significant step forward in combat boot design for the benefit of the soldier or police, and also the footwear manufacturer.”

Advanced design for multi-terrain performance

At the heart of this vision lies GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD Product Technology. It was developed precisely with these needs in mind. Supplied in roll form, EXTRAGUARD Upper can be cut into larger pattern pieces, reducing the number of seams and the need for taping and improving waterproof protection. This enables new construction methods and design freedom to reduce pressure points in abrasion-prone areas such as the heel and shaft while enhancing durability. Inspired by sneaker design, the concept offers improved wearing comfort and a modern look, crucial for soldiers and service members who expect both performance and comfort in their footwear.

Sustainability and resource efficiency

These construction advantages also pave the way for more sustainable and efficient production methods. the EXTRAGUARD Upper ensures consistent quality and reduces material waste, due to simplified construction and manufacturing. At the same time, it enables a variety of design options such as PU casting, printing, debossing, welding, and stitch-free applications. This provides footwear manufacturers with freedom in design and cost efficiencies.

"We are rethinking protection and performance for the modern soldier," says Rainer Geiger, Application Engineer at the GORE-TEX® Brand. “By combining maximum resilience with ultimate comfort and also embracing efficiency, we’re demonstrating the potential of GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD Product Technology and opening new pathways for brand partners to step into designing more innovative military and tactical footwear.”

About Gore

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 military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages.

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion. gore.com

“Conventional tactical and combat boots made from leather are often heavy, uncomfortable and slow to dry when exposed to water or extreme climates. In contrast, our EXTRAGUARD Upper can help overcome limitations of traditional leather constructions, increasing comfort and protection,” says David Bastias, Strategic Marketing for Footwear at the GORE-TEX® Brand. “Adding the EXTRAGUARD Upper Technology offers extremely low water uptake, rapid re-dry, and consistent weight under wet conditions while also delivering the robustness and element protection defense operations demand. This balance of comfort and durability marks a significant step forward in combat boot design for the benefit of the soldier or police, and also the footwear manufacturer.”

Advanced design for multi-terrain performance

At the heart of this vision lies the GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD Product Technology. It was developed precisely with these needs in mind. Supplied in roll form, EXTRAGUARD Upper can be cut into larger pattern pieces, reducing the number of seams and the need for taping and improving waterproof protection. This enables new construction methods and design freedom to reduce pressure points in abrasion-prone areas such as the heel and shaft while enhancing durability. Inspired by sneaker design, the concept offers improved wearing comfort and a modern look, crucial for soldiers and service members who expect both performance and comfort in their footwear.

Sustainability and resource efficiency

These construction advantages also pave the way for more sustainable and efficient production methods. Supplied in roll form, the EXTRAGUARD Upper ensures consistent quality and reduces material waste. The constructions require fewer seams, so the overall amount of taping and sealing for water-proof construction and materials can be significantly reduced and simplifies manufacturing. At the same time, it enables a variety of design options such as PU casting, printing, debossing, welding, and stitch-free applications, providing footwear manufacturers with freedom in design and cost efficiencies.

"We are rethinking protection and performance for the modern soldier," says Rainer Geiger, Application Engineer at the GORE-TEX® Brand. "By combining maximum resilience with ultimate comfort and also embracing efficiency, we’re demonstrating the potential of GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD Product Technology, and opening new pathways for brand partners to step into designing more innovative military and tactical footwear."

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 military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages.

About Gore

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion. gore.com

The new generation of PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS®
Reliable protection against electric arc incidents has never been so lightweight. Weighing just 320 g/m², the PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS® is the most lightweight single-layer technology to incorporate class 2 arc-rated protection. The innovation: it combines three layers of material in one laminate layer – the face fabric made of 100 % recycled polyester, the membrane incorporating protective PYRAD® Product Technology on both sides, and the skin-friendly backer. This construction uses less material and gives the fabric a perceptibly softer feel. Over 100 professionals from a major Italian utility company tested the garments in the summer of 2024 under real working conditions. The outcome: outstanding freedom of movement, conductive heat loss and breathability. Licensed Gore brand partners Van Heurck, Iturri and BSD are also convinced and will be presenting their new protective outfits at this year’s show.

EXTRAGUARD Upper Technology
This technology raises the comfort of safety footwear to a new level. It is the first of its kind to combine the benefits of a robust upper with the advantages of lightweight textiles in one and the same material. EXTRAGUARD safety footwear is robust, waterproof, quick to re-dry and remains lightweight over long periods in wet conditions – even after months of use or continual wear in demanding working conditions. The technology is available as of now for a wide spectrum of work scenarios including the utility, railway, construction and demolition sectors. A large-scale wearer trial at Deutsche Bahn (German railways) established its excellent fitness for use in everyday situations. The fact that the technology has been so well received by leading manufacturers is an indication of the demand in the market for durable and comfortable safety footwear. Atlas, Elten, Fal, HAIX, Heckel, Obuv, Robusta, Solid Gear, Steitz Secura and U-Power will be showcasing their latest EXTRAGUARD styles at this year’s A+A.

Visitors will find the GORE-TEX® Brand in hall 11, stand H 67.
For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact Sally@rusecomm.co.uk

With its EXTRAGUARD upper technology, the GORE-TEX® Brand now combines the advantages of conventional robust upper materials with those of lightweight textiles—thus paving the way for more protection and comfort while also requiring minimal maintenance. EXTRAGUARD upper technology is suitable for the toughest workplace environments and offers robust and comfortable protection even after months of use or continual wear in demanding and wet working conditions.

“Workers in the construction, demolition, railway, utility, agricultural, electric power and water supply sectors benefit from our innovative upper technology—all the sectors in which people carry out heavy and labour-intensive work and need robust, durably protective, lightweight and comfortable safety boots they can really trust,” explains Johannes Krieg, footwear product specialist for the GORE-TEX® Brand.

Lightweight and robust

When dry, the EXTRAGUARD upper material is 40 percent lighter than conventional materials. Yet, there is more to it than that. It hardly absorbs any moisture so that even when worn for hours in wet conditions boots stay light and dry considerably faster. After months of use and in wet conditions, when the initial water repellent finish of conventional safety boots would long have worn off, footwear incorporating the EXTRAGUARD upper material continues to offer enduring waterproof protection. This is made possible by a three-layer construction involving a highly abrasion resistant outer layer, a customisable functional layer to protect against impact and compression and the innovative inner layer of the construction that can be sealed with GORE® Seam Tape. Boots continue to be waterproof and comfortable after months of intense use – even in the toughest working and weather conditions. And should the situation arise, GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD safety boots are also resistant to chemicals.

Fitness for everyday use demonstrated in Deutsche Bahn wearer trial

How good is the new technology? In a wearer trail conducted by Deutsche Bahn 19 employees performing tree and vegetation inspections, supervising safety, and managing services tested the HAIX Airpower XR27 safety boots with GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD product technology for six months. The boots were worn four or five days a week for between six and nine hours a day – indoors and outdoors, in all weathers and on difficult, uneven surfaces. Nearly all the test participants expressed their satisfaction with the robustness and re-dry performance while over half of them also emphasised the light weight—especially when the boots were wet. The easy maintenance also made an impression.

Comfort without compromises

GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD boots need no breaking in and are comfortable right from the start. Additional reinforcements are unnecessary, further benefiting weight and breathability. Colours do not fade, not even after extended use, while the material barely shows any signs of wear. The boots also ensure that feet stay durably dry and comfortably warm. Water can neither penetrate from the outside nor can it seep between the layers of the material, preventing the feet from being robbed of warmth.

Focussing on sustainability

In addition to comfort and functionality, GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD products also set new standards in sustainability. The manufacturing process uses far fewer chemicals, consumes much less water, and emits significantly less CO₂ than the production of conventional upper materials. The material is supplied as a rolled good which considerably reduces material consumption. Furthermore, the durability of the boots adds to the conservation of resources and helps reduce waste.

About GORE 

Gore revolutionised the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® Fabric more than 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel.

 Gore fabrics 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

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments - from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion. www.gore.com

Putzbrunn (February 23, 2024) - The innovative EXTRAGUARD upper material technology for police boots is lightweight, yet robust and noticeably more comfortable to wear: GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD police boots remain lightweight even when emergency services have to stand out in the rain for several hours at a demonstration, for example. The innovative upper material is also flame-retardant. At Enforce Tac 2024 (February 26 to 28) in Nuremberg, Gore will be presenting police boots from leading manufacturers with GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD upper technology for the first time.

Police forces need robust, waterproof, and breathable footwear that reliably protects them in all weather conditions and during dangerous operations or demonstrations. Until now, the robustness and waterproofness of the boots have had a significant influence on comfort - conventional police boots are rather heavy. As the product's service life increases, they can lose their waterproofing, meaning that conventional upper material can become soaked in the rain, making the boots even heavier. Another challenge is the re-drying of soaked boots: it can take many hours before they are completely dry again. However, if they have to be worn again in the meantime, this can draw heat away from the foot and create cold bridges.

Is light, stays light and dries quickly

With EXTRAGUARD, GORE-TEX Professional has developed a completely new, sustainable outer material technology: it combines the advantages of robust leather with those of lightweight, flexible, and breathable textile outer materials. The technology consists of three layers: a highly abrasion-resistant and flame-retardant outer protective layer, a functional layer that protects against mechanical impacts and an innovative inner construction layer that absorbs hardly any water. When dry, the EXTRAGUARD outer material is 40% lighter than dry leather of the same thickness. It absorbs less moisture from the outside and remains dry and light even after prolonged exposure to water or loss of the initial impregnation. Moisture penetrates from the outside only as far as the inner construction layer of the EXTRAGUARD upper material and is then kept out by it. This minimises heat loss and prevents cold bridges, keeping feet dry and comfortably warm even in wet or cold conditions. The robust boots dry quickly, are ready for use again a few hours later and are comfortable to wear. In combination with the internal, waterproof, and breathable GORE-TEX lining, this means an enormous increase in protection and comfort for the police.

First models available on the market this year

"Our EXTRAGUARD upper technology is a real game changer for the police. At Enforce Tac, we will be presenting models for various areas of application, from very lightweight tactical to flame-resistant riot styles. The response has been great: a German police unit will soon be putting a model through its paces in tough everyday police work. The first models are expected to be available on the market before the end of this year," explains Johannes Krieg, Product Specialist at Gore.

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.

Facts & figures about GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD technology

·        GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD combat boots are permanently waterproof and breathable. They exceed the required values in accordance with EN ISO 20345/347 many times over.

·        The abrasion-resistant upper material is 40% lighter than leather when dry. As it absorbs virtually no moisture from the outside, the GORE-TEX boot remains dry and light even after prolonged exposure to water or loss of the initial waterproofing.

·        Heat and flame resistance in accordance with DIN EN 15090: If these boots are exposed to an open flame for 10 seconds in accordance with DIN EN ISO 15025-A/DIN EN 15090, there is no afterburning.

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

Police forces need robust, waterproof-breathable footwear that reliably protects them in all weather conditions and during dangerous operations or demonstrations. Until now, the robustness and waterproofness of the boots had to be compromised with comfort – conventional police action boots tend to be rather heavy. With increasing product life, they can lose their impregnation, so that conventional upper material can become soaked in the rain, making the boots even heavier. Another challenge is the re-drying of wet boots: it sometimes takes many hours before they are completely dry again. However, if they have to be worn again in the meantime, this can draw heat away from the foot and create cold spots.

Is light, stays light, and quick re-dry

With EXTRAGUARD, GORE-TEX Professional has developed a completely new, sustainable outer material technology that combines the advantages of robust leather with those of lightweight, flexible, and breathable textile upper materials. The technology consists of three layers: a highly abrasion-resistant and flame-retardant outer layer, a functional layer that protects against mechanical impact, and an innovative construction inner layer that absorbs hardly any water. The EXTRAGUARD upper material is 40% lighter than leather in the same thickness and dry state, and because it absorbs less moisture from the outside, it remains lightweight and dries significantly faster when wet. Combined with the waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX Lining, police forces have a new range of tactical boots.

"After years of research, we are very proud to have significantly increased key comfort features such as weight, re-drying time and breathability with EXTRAGUARD upper technology. We are also able to offer today a truly sustainable technology for tactical boots that supports police forces in their daily operations," explains Johannes Krieg, Product Specialist at GORE-TEX Professional. "Initial feedback from wearers confirms our approach and give reason to believe for a real shift in thinking about how police boots are made."

High performance and reduced environmental impact

With GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD police boots, police forces can not only count on high performance and excellent wearing comfort, but the technology also sets new standards in terms of sustainability: the EXTRAGUARD upper is , according to Higg MSI (higg.com), is manufactured with less water and CO2 emissions, lower chemical use and chromium-free. It is delivered as rolled good, so there is less material waste during production. In sum, all factors significantly reduce the environmental impact.

Facts & Figures about GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD Technology

• GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD tactical boots are durably waterproof and breathable. They exceed the required values according to EN ISO 20345/347.
• The abrasion-resistant material is 40% lighter than leather when dry. Because it absorbs very little moisture from the outside, the GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD boot stays dry even after long exposure to water or loss of initial impregnation.
• Heat and flame resistance according to DIN EN 15090: If these boots are exposed to an open flame for 10 seconds according to DIN EN ISO 15025-A/DIN EN 15090, no afterflame occurs.

About Higg Index

The Higg Index, developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, includes a set of tools that enable brands, retailers and factories of all sizes to accurately measure and assess a company's or product's sustainability performance at every stage of its development. The Higg Index tools measure social and environmental performance across the value chain, providing a holistic overview that enables companies to make meaningful improvements that protect the well-being of factory workers, local communities and the environment. https://apparelcoalition.org/the-higg-index/

This year’s top award for the P.C.I.A.W’s Best PPE Innovation in Footwear 2022 went to GORE-TEX Professional for their EXTRAGUARD upper technology. Selected by the independent PCIAW® judging panel for its outstanding protective properties and low carbon footprint.  EXTRAGUARD is a 3-layer footwear upper technology which offers a hard-wearing alternative to standard protective footwear uppers. In combination with a GORE-TEX lining, the safety footwear is also waterproof, breathable, 40% lighter than leather and comfortable to wear.

Yvette Ashby, Founder & CEO of PCIAW®, congratulated Jonas Andersson and Oli Willson, Sales Manager for GORE-TEX Professional in UK and Scandinavia, on their well-earned win: “This year’s PCIAW® Awards competition reached new heights, with an even wider range of global entrants, all of whom displayed an exceptional amount of talent and ingenuity. We are pleased, therefore, to have selected GORE-TEX Professional for the Best PPE Innovation in Footwear Award; their EXTRAGUARD upper technology will make a tremendous contribution to the worksite safety industry.”