IWA 2016 - Show us your shoes

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Good to know that something is so good. But experience cannot be replaced by anything, that's why W. L. Gore & Associates relies on empiricism - and therefore extensive question tests. We at SPARTANAT were able to accompany one such test: 49 soldiers from German-speaking countries were recruited via our online magazine and ultimately selected from 219 applicants. They tested the GORE-TEX® Z-6S from Lowa over a period of four months. The wear test was conducted jointly by Gore, the shoe partner Lowa, and the innovation and market research agency HYVE from July to October 2015. At IWA 2016 - you can find Gore in Hall 9/Stand 326 - we will present the results. Meet the candidate: the Lowa Z-6S GTX®. The core of the new boot is the particularly thin, three-layer GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort laminate, which dispenses with insulation. The inner values matter: it consists of only a highly abrasion-resistant textile inner lining, the microporous GORE-TEX^® membrane made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, and a protective fabric. The function of the laminate is well known: it is extremely breathable and efficiently wicks sweat to the outside, ensuring the foot is reliably protected from overheating. All of this makes the shoe ideal for high ambient temperatures, high physical activity, and changing activities indoors and outdoors. At the same time, the laminate forms a durable barrier against penetrating moisture from the outside and provides lasting resistance to everyday chemicals such as diesel, cleaning agents, or battery acid. This keeps the feet reliably protected from moisture and unsafe liquids. That's the theory. It should be critically reviewed in the large wear test. W. L. Gore & Associates responds with Tactical GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Footwear to the challenges of a modern combat boot in a tactical environment: shorter missions with light luggage in warm and hot climates, without sacrificing long-term waterproofness. At the same time, it is suitable for various purposes - these include service in the barracks or field camp, patrols and marches as well as combat situations in urban environments. It moves away from classic military boots that are too heavy. The design and structure of the combat boot are inspired by the outdoor sector. The requirements: low weight, high flexibility, and good stability. The construction allows for quick movements and changes of direction, while also providing sufficient support on moderately rough terrain. It is comfortable from the first moment and does not require breaking in. Modern times on the battlefield.

And this is how the test went: After about 16 weeks of wearing time, all participants completed a detailed online questionnaire. In their detailed feedback on their experiences, the soldiers praised the shoe for its light weight, high wearing comfort, increased flexibility, and pleasant climate comfort. The shoe also performed well compared to previously worn combat boots. The climate comfort rating was particularly positive. 89 percent of the participants rated the temperature sensation in the test shoe as comfortable - especially in a range between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. Comfort features of the combat boot include the lightweight design, which 86 percent of the participants confirmed. 78 percent said they could walk and run better with the new model than before. It also received praise for good walk comfort (92 percent agreement) and comfortable fit (82 percent agreement). More than two-thirds of the testers confirmed that the shoe provided greater flexibility than the previously worn models. This can also be seen from the diverse scenarios in which the soldiers wore the test boot: from deployment in urban areas to alpine mountains and deserts, including service on the training ground, performance marches, parachute jumps, and combat duty. The testers were active in various countries, both outdoor and indoor, including Afghanistan, Kosovo, Spain, France, USA, Japan, and Egypt. In the end, a convincing result. After a four-month wear test, 87 percent of participants recommend the GORE-TEX® Z-6S from Lowa. They rate the combat boot as an all-rounder suitable for many purposes. "The boot is a perfect companion for urban areas and flat terrain," says one soldier.

Tactical GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Footwear combat boots are available not only from Lowa but also from shoe partners Haix and Meindl. For extreme conditions such as rugged terrain, temperatures above 30 degrees, and heavy luggage, Gore provides a different solution with the High Liability GORE-TEX^® Extended Comfort Footwear.

SPARTANAT thanks all of our readers who participated in the boot wear test by W. L. Gore & Associates. Thank you also to the team at W. L. Gore & Associates for the cooperation.

W. L. Gore & Associates online: www.gore-workwear.de

W. L. Gore & Associates at IWA 2016: Hall 9 / Stand 326