GORE-TEX Professional has launched an innovative technology that introduces a new range of police boots. This new technology combines the advantages of leather with those of textile materials, providing a new market segment for tactical boots.
GORE-TEX Professional (Gore) is introducing EXTRAGUARD, an all-new technology for police boots that is lightweight, durable, and comfortable, providing reliable protection for police forces in all weather conditions and during dangerous operations or demonstrations. The new upper material is flame-retardant, an essential feature in case of fire attacks. The innovative technology also reduces the ecological footprint.
Is light, stays light, and quick re-dry
Traditional police action boots have been heavy and can lose their impregnation, making them heavier and challenging to re-dry. Wet boots take many hours to dry, leading to heat loss from the foot and creating cold spots.
EXTRAGUARD technology resolves these challenges with a sustainable outer material that combines the advantages of robust leather with 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 it absorbs less moisture, remains lightweight and dries faster when wet. Combined with the waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX Lining, police forces now have a new range of tactical boots that prioritize comfort and functionality.
“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” adds further.
High performance and reduced environmental impact
In addition to high performance and excellent wearing comfort, GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD police boots set new standards in terms of sustainability. The vegan EXTRAGUARD upper material is manufactured with less water and CO2 emissions, lower chemical use, and is chromium-free. The material is delivered as rolled goods, reducing material waste during production. The Higg Index, developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, confirms the sustainability of the EXTRAGUARD upper material.
In conclusion, GORE-TEX Professional’s innovative technology has revolutionized the police boot industry with sustainable, lightweight, durable, and comfortable materials. The company’s commitment to sustainability and high-performance footwear is a significant step towards protecting factory workers, local communities, and the environment.
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/
About GORE-TEX Professional
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 12,000 Associates and a very strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $4.5 billion. www.gore.com
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