Every new footwear prototype is put through its paces in our testing labs. The performance of the entire system of upper materials, linings including insulation, and our laminates need to be proven flawless under a range of conditions. Only when a shoe passes every test is it cleared for production.
THE WALKING SIMULATOR
Products being designed to carry the GORE-TEX GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® promise are placed on realistic foot forms and are tested for up to hundreds of thousands of steps in a water bath. If the design is not up to the challenge, moisture sensors on the foot form will let us know.
THE CENTRIFUGAL TESTER
Testing from the inside-out. Waterproof footwear is filled with water and spun at high speeds. The resulting pressure forces water through even the smallest of holes to reveal leaks. And if those leaks exist, the footwear is not passed for production.
THE WICKING TEST
To meet our rigorous waterproof performance standards, materials in the upper must be non-wicking so that water can’t be transported into the shoe or boot over the GORE-TEX lining. We test all components, from the leather and foam, to stitching and laces, to ensure that the entire system performs as expected.
THE COMFORT TEST
All materials used, from the lining through to the outer material, contribute to the high breathability and climate comfort of our footwear. This test measures the breathability of the whole construction, ensuring that everything works together to deliver climate comfort for all intended activities.
