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The Athlete's Foot MyFit
Our MyFit Blog aims to engage and inform so that we can collectively empower everyday athletes to better their best with every run.
What is Gore-Tex
When it comes to purchasing your next pair of outdoor footwear – considering all the different factors that contribute to what you need is essential (from fit and feel through to the materials). Particularly if you’re looking for walking shoes or trail running sneakers – the material of the footwear you’re wearing is key. One recommended material in outdoor shoes is looking at picking up a pair of shoes that contain Gore-Tex in their construction.
Read our guide below to find out more about Gore-Tex
Read our guide below to find out more about Gore-Tex
History of GORE-TEX
With a colourful history dating back to the 1940s. Wilbert L. Gore began his career at DuPont Corporation in the 1940s, and during this time he enjoyed using a material called PFTE, a special kind of plastic material. In 1959, Gore left DuPont, wanting to tap into the further potential he saw with PFTE – with the help of his wife. During one of his experiments in the late 1960s, Gore felt frustrated that his research was not coming to fruition, pulling sharply on the PFTE material out of frustration. In doing so he found the plastic rod stretched over 1000%, resulting in a new material that was so porous it was comprised of 70% air.
Through to the 1970s, the development of GORE-TEX clothing was strengthened further with additions like GORE-SEAM tape, aiding in the waterproofing. With this revolutionary material offering extra durability, it was also weaved into spacesuits worn by astronauts during first space shuttle missions.
In 1982 the first pair of GORE-TEX footwear was born, and since then, development of GORE-TEX clothing has helped to revolutionise the outdoor apparel market, then in 2017, W.L Gore developed GORE-TEX invisible fit, which we see in many footwear silhouettes today. GORE-TEX invisible fit is able to bond itself to the upper and other external parts of an outdoor shoe to stop water getting in.
Fit and feel of Gore-Tex Shoes
The sturdy nature of Gore-Tex material means that whilst there is less stretch in the footwear, they are also exceptionally sturdy. As well as this durability you will also find that sneakers or boots built with Gore-Tex tend to have waterproof or water wicking capabilities.
if you’re unsure what size you might need to wear, especially when it comes to the width of the shoes, or even the type of grip you need, we highly recommend booking an appointment with a member of our instore team to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your next outdoor adventure.
Best Gore-Tex shoes for walking
GORE-TEX is a solid option when it comes to choosing hiking boots and walking shoes. Some of our favourites include the Merrell MOAB Mid-Cut Hiking Boots for women. As well as a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, this hiker is designed with a plush footbed and soft cushioned midsole to alleviate any discomfort caused over long days on your feet. The outsole design is sturdy and durable, to provide you with premium grip over any terrain.
For men, we recommend the HOKA Kaha 2 Gore-Tex in Black. This high cut boot provides the ideal weight-to-cushion ratio, especially for long hikes. This men’s hiking boot is designed to provide a smooth ride on the trail. It also comes with a Late-Stage Meta-Rocker with integrated flex groves for speed and stability.
SHOP WOMEN'S HIKING BOOTS
SHOP MEN'S HIKING BOOTS
Best For Trail Running
When it comes to outdoor adventures, we can never rely on the weather to deliver. When it gets unpredictable out there on the trails – investing in a pair of trail running shoes with Gore-Tex embedded is highly recommended. Here’s our favourite trail running shoes with Gore-Tex.
The Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V7 Gore-Tex offers unmatched protection and comfort whilst on the trails. This trail running sneaker offers a higher stack height for added comfort as well as a ‘no-sew’ construction in the upper, which helps to alleviate irritation, foot blisters as well as debris from entering the shoe.
The Brooks Cascadia 17 for men is one of our best-selling trail running shoes. This waterproof sneaker offers an all-new trail adapt system by utilising an integrated midsole, rock plate, and zonal outsole pods to help you experience enhanced control and stability on all terrains. The GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit membrane is bonded directly to the upper for a lighter, more flexible fit.
SHOP WOMEN’S TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
SHOP MEN'S TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
Best Gore-Tex shoes for running
The Mizuno Wave Rider Gore Tex running shoes in Black for women is a strong option if you’re looking for both a Gore-Tex embedded runner that is also sustainable. Constructed with a plant based Pebax Rnew® wave plate. This women’s running shoe offers enhanced medial, lateral and torsional stability to provide the support and propelling motion that Mizuno lovers have grown to adore.
The Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam 880 V13 Gore-Tex running shoes are a solid option to help you push yourself harder and faster than ever before. This running shoe blends the perfect combination of function and performance, with its premium cushioning underfoot, while its rubber outsole technology offers supportive traction for smoother transitions.
SHOP WOMEN’S RUNNING SHOES
SHOP MEN'S RUNNING SHOES
With a colourful history dating back to the 1940s. Wilbert L. Gore began his career at DuPont Corporation in the 1940s, and during this time he enjoyed using a material called PFTE, a special kind of plastic material. In 1959, Gore left DuPont, wanting to tap into the further potential he saw with PFTE – with the help of his wife. During one of his experiments in the late 1960s, Gore felt frustrated that his research was not coming to fruition, pulling sharply on the PFTE material out of frustration. In doing so he found the plastic rod stretched over 1000%, resulting in a new material that was so porous it was comprised of 70% air.
Through to the 1970s, the development of GORE-TEX clothing was strengthened further with additions like GORE-SEAM tape, aiding in the waterproofing. With this revolutionary material offering extra durability, it was also weaved into spacesuits worn by astronauts during first space shuttle missions.
In 1982 the first pair of GORE-TEX footwear was born, and since then, development of GORE-TEX clothing has helped to revolutionise the outdoor apparel market, then in 2017, W.L Gore developed GORE-TEX invisible fit, which we see in many footwear silhouettes today. GORE-TEX invisible fit is able to bond itself to the upper and other external parts of an outdoor shoe to stop water getting in.
Fit and feel of Gore-Tex Shoes
The sturdy nature of Gore-Tex material means that whilst there is less stretch in the footwear, they are also exceptionally sturdy. As well as this durability you will also find that sneakers or boots built with Gore-Tex tend to have waterproof or water wicking capabilities.
if you’re unsure what size you might need to wear, especially when it comes to the width of the shoes, or even the type of grip you need, we highly recommend booking an appointment with a member of our instore team to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your next outdoor adventure.
Best Gore-Tex shoes for walking
GORE-TEX is a solid option when it comes to choosing hiking boots and walking shoes. Some of our favourites include the Merrell MOAB Mid-Cut Hiking Boots for women. As well as a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, this hiker is designed with a plush footbed and soft cushioned midsole to alleviate any discomfort caused over long days on your feet. The outsole design is sturdy and durable, to provide you with premium grip over any terrain.
For men, we recommend the HOKA Kaha 2 Gore-Tex in Black. This high cut boot provides the ideal weight-to-cushion ratio, especially for long hikes. This men’s hiking boot is designed to provide a smooth ride on the trail. It also comes with a Late-Stage Meta-Rocker with integrated flex groves for speed and stability.
SHOP WOMEN'S HIKING BOOTS
SHOP MEN'S HIKING BOOTS
Best For Trail Running
When it comes to outdoor adventures, we can never rely on the weather to deliver. When it gets unpredictable out there on the trails – investing in a pair of trail running shoes with Gore-Tex embedded is highly recommended. Here’s our favourite trail running shoes with Gore-Tex.
The Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V7 Gore-Tex offers unmatched protection and comfort whilst on the trails. This trail running sneaker offers a higher stack height for added comfort as well as a ‘no-sew’ construction in the upper, which helps to alleviate irritation, foot blisters as well as debris from entering the shoe.
The Brooks Cascadia 17 for men is one of our best-selling trail running shoes. This waterproof sneaker offers an all-new trail adapt system by utilising an integrated midsole, rock plate, and zonal outsole pods to help you experience enhanced control and stability on all terrains. The GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit membrane is bonded directly to the upper for a lighter, more flexible fit.
SHOP WOMEN’S TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
SHOP MEN'S TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
Best Gore-Tex shoes for running
The Mizuno Wave Rider Gore Tex running shoes in Black for women is a strong option if you’re looking for both a Gore-Tex embedded runner that is also sustainable. Constructed with a plant based Pebax Rnew® wave plate. This women’s running shoe offers enhanced medial, lateral and torsional stability to provide the support and propelling motion that Mizuno lovers have grown to adore.
The Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam 880 V13 Gore-Tex running shoes are a solid option to help you push yourself harder and faster than ever before. This running shoe blends the perfect combination of function and performance, with its premium cushioning underfoot, while its rubber outsole technology offers supportive traction for smoother transitions.
SHOP WOMEN’S RUNNING SHOES
SHOP MEN'S RUNNING SHOES
