Benefits of Gore-Tex

[HAIX Footwear UK]

Ever wondered what makes your HAIX boots waterproof and breathable? To answer this we need to delve a little deeper into the realms of science and 1950s computer technology.

 

In a bid to protect computer cabling from fine heat fluctuations, Bill Gore launched W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., in 1958 with the vision to explore the potential applications for a new polymer material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

 

Since then, PTFE has been used to improve stents for percutaneous coronary intervention, aerospace cables and for protective vents in devices such as mobile phones to ensure that they are dust-tight and water-resistant, without compromising the quality of sound transmission.

 

In 1982, Gore Footwear was launched and in the early 1990s HAIX began using Gore technology in its boots. Gore only approves boots by companies that produce quality products that can withstand Gore’s intense testing process. This includes a waterproofing test during which boots are placed in 5cm of water and 300,000 steps are simulated to ensure that no water is let in to the boot. If the boot shows any lack of waterproofing, the boots are rejected and must be reassessed following adjustments. The boots are also tested for breathability to ensure they allow the half a pint of sweat our feet release to be transported away from the feet and out of the boot.

 

HAIX boots are tested to this exact standard for waterproofing and breathability and as a result can be trusted to keep your feet both dry and warm. The ideal foot temperature should be regulated to between 28-32 degrees, even during periods of high physical activity. Cold and damp feet can lead to swelling, soreness, blisters and in some extreme cases infections, so it is essential that your boots are able to provide the breathability for this.

 

By combining HAIX’s boots with Gore’s innovative membrane, HAIX produces boots that are a cut above the rest and you can be sure that whatever the weather, you will be protected with HAIX.

 

To find out more about the HAIX range of boots, visit our website at http://www.haix.co.uk or you can find us on Facebook and Twitter @HaixGlobal