GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics presents EXTRAGUARD for military combat boots for the toughest conditions at Enforce Tac 2024.
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Press Release, Putzbrunn, February 2024: Revolutionary EXTRAGUARD upper technology is robust and lightweight at the same time – and remains so even in extremely wet conditions.
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.
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 defence 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 minimised during production, and CO2 emissions are comparatively low. And finally, the longevity of the products also contributes to a better eco-balance.
Gore revolutionised 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 defence operations and firefighting, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives the development of products with significant performance benefits.
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Editor’s Comments: At recent defence and security expos prior to Enforce Tac a couple of the major combat boot manufacturers we work closely with showed us footwear with uppers constructed using GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD material but could not divulge too much detail ahead of the official launch. However last week, in between immovable medical appointments, I was able to get out to Nuremberg for the third and last day of the German expo to receive a one-to-one briefing from WL Gore technical experts. In simple terms, EXTRAGUARD is a three-layer material constructed from a robust and highly abrasion-resistant protective outer, a functional variable thickness layer, and an innovative low water absorption construction layer. In addition to the seams of the uppers being tape sealed, EXTRAGUARD footwear also uses a traditional GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable membrane lining ‘sock’ to keep the foot dry. As yet I have not had the opportunity to try out boots manufactured from EXTRAGUARD, but you can rest assured JOINT-FORCES readers will be the first to hear my thoughts.
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