Walking is the joint most popular form of activity for adults in England, with 9.1 million people or 22% of the population regularly participating. In Wales and Scotland, the figures are even higher, with over 30% of adults enjoying a regular walk in the outdoors (1). 

A 2014 MENE (2) study found over 2.93 billion visits were made to natural environments in the past year and the benefits of walking in the outdoors are becoming increasingly recognised with 45% of people surveyed doing so specifically for health and exercise. The survey revealed that people who walk several times a week rated themselves as happier, more relaxed and less anxious than those who walk less.

But one thing in particular can have a negative impact on your hiking experience: uncomfortable footwear. The GORE-TEX^® brand is now revolutionising the hiking experience and is introducing a completely new technology for hiking shoes.

Whether it’s a gentle hill stroll or an extensive tour up in the mountains – hiking is booming. The GORE-TEX^® brand now has good news for all those people who consider the chirping of birds, the babbling of streams or the wind blowing as being an integral part of their work-life balance. GORE-TEX^® SURROUND™ product technology is the latest innovation for enhancing the comfort of footwear – without compromising on weather protection.

It has made it possible to produce hiking shoes that are permanently waterproof and also completely breathable – even through the sole – for the first time. Moisture can escape even faster. You will no longer experience blisters or chafing caused by wet or warm feet and hiking enthusiasts can enjoy their sojourn to the great outdoors without a care in the world.

“Hiking is the latest fashion. It is not only good for your health. An increasing number of young people also see it above all as a chance to escape from their stressful everyday life. That’s why we developed a technology which makes your feet feel even more comfortable and which has been designed especially for easy, yet eventful hikes,” explains Achim Löffler, Global Business Leader GORE-TEX^® Footwear. Hiking shoes with the patented technology from renowned brand partners will be available in stores from March 2015.

GORE-TEX^® SURROUND™ product technology – High-tech for your feet

Gore has already developed the formula to make your feet even more comfortable for casual footwear. The distinguishing feature of the open sole design has now been adapted for hiking shoes to meet the requirements of outdoor use. The water-proof and breathable GORE-TEX^® membrane is integrated into the hiking shoe and surrounds the entire foot. An open-cell spacer is integrated between the foot and the sole. This spacer absorbs the sweat which penetrates the GORE-TEX^® membrane and draws it off through the lateral openings in the sole. The result: Shoes that offer the highest level of comfort at medium to warm temperatures and also provide reliable protection against penetrating moisture if your hike takes you along damp meadows or through puddles and mud.

The right hiking shoe to suit all tastes

Hikers all over the world not only have this innovative technology to look forward to. They also have a wide range of brands to choose from. Hanwag, La Sportiva, Mammut, Meindl, Salewa or Scarpa. Numerous leading global manufacturers of outdoor shoes are already adding the award-winning  GORE-TEX^® SURROUND™ product technology to their new collections. 180 different footwear models are awaiting their first hiking adventure. Lightweight low-cut shoes will keep your feet at a pleasant temperature when hiking across wide forest paths in low mountain ranges. When going on a brisk half day tour in the hills and mountains, hiking enthusiasts choose the mid-cut footwear models with a sports design. The technically striking Approach shoes are the ideal companion for ambitious hikers on trips up into the mountains or when walking on rock.

More information on the new technology can be found at: GORE-TEX^® SURROUND™

1. Walking Facts and Figures www.ramblers.org.uk

2. Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) 2014 Study