W. L. Gore & Associates, a leading materials science company, has unveiled a number of product developments at this year’s edition of OutDoor, which concluded in Friedrichshafen this week.

The company announced it will release new Gore-Tex Active fabric – the next generation of its most breathable 3-Layer product. Available from spring 2018, the new Gore-Tex Active fabric is said to significantly improve comfort and durability over the current version of 3-Layer Active, while reducing weight by 20% – all while maintaining the Gore standard for waterproofness and breathability, the leader in the market.

Gore-Tex Active fabric

Designed for the intense aerobic demands of athletes and ideal for done-in-a-day activities, Active offers a completely new combination of face fabrics, membrane construction, and backer, each assessed individually in order to improve collective performance, the manufacturer explains.

“Making an already outstanding technology like Gore-Tex Active fabric even better is not just about doing one thing. At this level, it’s really about the combination of materials, the properties of those materials, and how they interact together to make the fabric perform better as a whole,” said Johannes Ebert, Product Specialist at Gore who worked on the development of Active. “In this case, making the fabric and membrane combination lighter, softer and suppler actually helps to increase overall performance in areas like breathability and durability.”

New Gore-Tex Stretch Technology

Improving fit and comfort in footwear designed for tough conditions, the company introduced new Gore-Tex Stretch Technology for footwear. This new patent-pending construction combines elastic Gore-Tex laminates with stretch lining textiles, and also employs an elastic connection seam.

In addition, Gore-Tex Stretch Technology creates footwear that is incredibly convenient to get on and off, the company reports. “The primary driver behind this new technology was to create performance footwear that’s simply easier to use while providing exceptional comfort and versatility for more day-to-day use as well,” said Brian Gallagher, global footwear marketing leader for the Gore Fabrics Division.

Gore Invisible Fit

For autumn 2017, W.L. Gore & Associates will introduce Gore Invisible Fit, a new way to build a waterproof, breathable running shoe. According to the manufacturer, Gore Invisible Fit technology is a new way for footwear manufacturers to integrate a protective Gore-Tex membrane in running shoes.

With Gore Invisible Fit Technology, the Gore-Tex membrane is engineered to directly bond to a variety of athletic footwear uppers. By matching the Gore-Tex membrane to the footwear upper material, wrinkles and folds are eliminated, reducing pressure points and resulting in a true to size forefoot area. “We did our research to determine from runners first-hand that they want to get their miles in, despite even the harshest conditions. We created Gore Invisible Fit technology in response to consumer demand,” said Kirk Christensen, Global Product Specialist for the Outdoor Athlete for the Gore Fabrics Division.

Gore Invisible Fit technology will be at retail in select models of Saucony and inov-8 running shoes beginning autumn 2017.

Gore-Tex Surround footwear technology

In autumn 2017, Gore, in collaboration with its brand partners, will expand consumer availability of the newest innovation of Gore-Tex Surround footwear technology. This latest version of Gore-Tex Surround features openings in the side of the sole, visibly demonstrating the unique underfoot air-flow channels that enable waterproof shoes with true 360-degree breathability.

Gore-Tex Surround is the first technology that enables 360-degree breathability in waterproof footwear, the manufacturer explains. “With Surround footwear construction, moisture and warmth escape through the sole via underfoot channels, in addition to allowing moisture removal through the shoe’s upper. With this latest innovation of Surround, the channels create easily visible openings or ports on the lateral surface of the soles, allowing immediate consumer recognition of the benefit of the technology,” the company reports.

Gore wear

“As of spring/summer 2018, Gore wear underlines its leadership in innovative functional apparel for runners and cyclists”, the company reports. By combining the existing brands, Gore Bike Wear and Gore Running Wear, Gore wear will aim to offer even more advantages for the retailer than ever before.

Completing the cycling and running collection, Gore wear will offer an additional range of products specially engineered for the needs of the all-around athlete. For the spring/summer 2018 season, these will include base layers and accessories such as gloves or socks.

“This brand evolution is a clear commitment to always evolve and to assure that Gore products are ready to go when you are. Ready to head outdoors, ready for whatever the day holds and always prepared for what the elements might throw at you,” said Jay Herring, Global Business Leader for Gore wear.

www.gore.com