Now celebrating 50 years, GORE-TEX® Products are known for performance and durability. To mark this milestone, we’ve opened our archive to reveal not just innovations with performance and lifestyle brands, but those that have helped shape our protective wear used across firefighting, law enforcement & first responder, workwear, and military applications as we know it today. From early field-tested fabrics to technical protection systems for some of the most challenging environments, the timeline captures how our product technologies have evolved to meet the changing demands of users playing and working in demanding conditions.
“Going Further, Together” reflects a continued commitment. To innovate with purpose, to support those who rely on our gear in critical moments, and to build protection systems designed for the future. Explore the milestones that define where we’ve been – and where we’re going next.
1979
Bringing Breathability to Firefighting
We commercially introduce a breathable moisture barrier for structural firefighting turnout gear, a transformative improvement that reduces the damaging effects of heat stress and elevates comfort and mobility for firefighters. In 1981, Globe becomes the first customer in the U.S. to adopt GORE-TEX® Moisture Barrier fabric.
1983
Military-Backed Innovation
The U.S. government funds a 3-year development program code-named ECWCS (Extended Cold-Weather Clothing System), and three service branches field test GORE-TEX® Products. Products achieve operational capability at -40°F (-40°C) degrees in field tests, and there wasn’t a single cold weather casualty in an invasion exercise in Norway – a first for the U.S. Marine Corps.
In 1985, the first ECWCS Parka is built together with a military garment contractor, Tennessee Apparel.
1997
Defense Boots Enter the Field
The first military GORE-TEX® Boot is used by service members deployed in Bosnia, earning the nickname “The Bosnia Boot.” Waterproof-breathable protection becomes an increasingly important consideration for soldiers operating in complex terrain.
2011
Flame-Retardant Technology Advances
Our GORE-TEX® PYRAD® Product Technology provides flame-retardant protection for military personnel and oil, gas, and utility workers operating in conditions where there is a sudden risk of exposure to heat and flame.
2018
Protecting Our First Responders
The GORE-TEX® Moisture Barrier with GORE® CROSSTECH® Product Technology launches, combining the durable, waterproof properties of the moisture barrier with powerful protection against blood-borne pathogens and common chemicals like battery acid and hydraulic fluid. The technology provides comfort and protection for emergency professionals including structural firefighters, search and rescue teams, and emergency medical personnel.
2021
Durable Safety Boots, Made Lighter
We launch lightweight GORE-TEX® EXTRAGUARD Upper Technology for safety footwear in Europe. The durable, waterproof upper material combines the advantages of leather with those of textile upper materials. When dry, the upper material construction is 40% lighter than leather*. It also stays light when wet and is quick to dry.
*Compared with full grain leather. Thickness measurement calculated in accordance with DIN 53326.