W.L. Gore & Associates Wins Three Gear of the Year Awards from Runner’s World, Bicycling for GORE-TEX Footwear, Fabric Technologies

November 6, 2018

Editors call out GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology in running shoes, GORE-TEX SHAKEDRYTM and stretch fabrics in jackets for comfort, breathability, protection.

ELKTON, MD (November 6, 2018) – W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX products, recently won two 2018 Gear of the Year awards from Runner’s World magazine for its GORE-TEX Invisible Fit footwear technology in running shoes and its GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY^TM fabric technology in the Gore R7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY^TM Hooded Jacket. 

In addition, Gore also earned a Gear of the Year award for combining its new GORE-TEX fabric with Stretch Technology, which offers significantly more freedom of movement than has been possible to date in a waterproof fabric, with GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY^TM in the Gore C7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY^TM Stretch jacket. 

GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, which launched in the past year and continues to expand with additional brands in Fall 2018 and into 2019, is a technology that makes the waterproof membrane virtually invisible in the construction of a shoe, improving fit and performance in a light shoe with a waterproof membrane. The technology reduces weight, decreases water pick-up, leads to faster drying times and helps create a true-to-size forefoot area.

“Unlike previous GORE-TEX footwear that used a waterproof bootie, the new Invisible Fit barrier is bonded directly to the shoe’s fabric. That creates a more comfortable fit and better waterproofing …,” the editors at Runner’s World wrote. “Finally, you can buy a waterproof shoe that you will want to run in anytime and not just save for soggy days.” 

Originally introduced in 2015, GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY^TM fabric technology is the most breathable version of GORE-TEX ever developed. Tailored for running, hiking and cycling, it allows for lighter, more breathable jackets because the technology removes the need for a face fabric. The fact that it does not have a face fabric prevents any absorption of water, which allows users to maintain comfort in high aerobic activities, such as running and cycling. Its weight and breathability help reduce sweat accumulation and speed vapor transport. Inside, the garment is equipped with a functional backer for great next-to-skin comfort. This excellent balance of protection and comfort allows the wearer to leave the garment on – rain or shine.

“This is probably the best jacket ever made,” Runner’s World wrote. “Instead of requiring a protective layer around its waterproofing fabric to make it durable (which would add bulk and make it less breathable), Gore’s new SHAKEDRY^TM fabric is strong enough when used as a paper-thin shell by itself. That results in a featherweight jacket you can crush into a backpack and pull out whenever you need real rain protection. Water beads on the surface and rolls right off.”

In giving its Gear of the Year Award to the Gore C7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY^TM Stretch jacket, Bicycling magazine called out the combination of breathable GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY^TM with new GORE-TEX fabric with Stretch Technology for mobility. 

“We all know how well GORE-TEX keeps the wet out,” Bicycling wrote. “But making the magic material durable enough to work for cycling gear used to require a protective outer shell that made it bulkier and could reduce breathability, leaving you soggy from all the sweat. This jacket solves that with a new GORE-TEX fabric called SHAKEDRY^TM, which is strong enough to stand alone without getting shredded.”

Gore will have products with its GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY^TM and GORE-TEX stretch fabric technologies on display at Outdoor Retailer, Nov 8-11, in Denver, Colo. (booth #54017). 

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 9,500 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $3.5 billion. www.gore.com

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. www.goretex.com

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Dave Simpson
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