Fall/winter is a time when we push a figurative button on our wardrobes, swapping sheer shirts for wool sweaters and adding weather-repellent function to our outerwear. Seasonal armor doesn't get much stronger than when equipped with GORE-TEX — the ultimate power in waterproofing and breathability.
GORE-TEX isn't just a reserve of outerwear, though. A far superior cold-weather wardrobe can be achieved by decking yourself out head to toe in the stuff, and every solid fit starts with the feet. Enter GORE-TEX sneakers.
Over recent seasons, sportswear names have become increasingly fond of using GORE-TEX for casual sneakers, resulting in weather-ready footwear that isn't a bulky mountain boot. Even more recently, we've seen the introduction of luxury names into the scene, too. Below, we've picked out a handful of pairs that put W. L. Gore's pioneering fabric to use, ranging from purist trail runners to luxury reboots.
Shop the best GORE-TEX sneakers on the market below.
Scarpa Spin Infinity Sneakers
Spin Infinity Sneakers
Scarpa
Brands that were previously consciously overlooked by the fashion industry because of their gauche utilitarianism are now welcomed in with open arms. Scarpa has been producing high-tech boots since 1938 and the Spin Infinity Sneakers show that it's always at the breaking edge of design.
On Cloudventure
Cloudventure
On
Swiss brand On's rise to fame has been nothing short of unbelievable. In such a short time, the imprint has become a go-to name in the world of sportswear — a scene usually dominated by the big players. The Couldventure features GORE-TEX inserts to guard against pesky puddles.
Paul Smith Sierra Sneakers
Sierra Sneakers
Paul Smith
Paul Smith? GORE-TEX? Yes, it sounds wrong, but it's surprisingly right. London's favorite tailor forgoes wool outerwear for hard-wearing GORE-TEX and Vibram on the Sierra Sneakers which are an impressive entry into the world of running.
Nike Air Force 1 GTX Sneakers
Air Force 1 GTX Sneakers
Nike
The Nike Air Force 1 is an undisputed fan favorite and always will be. Thanks to a leather-look GORE-TEX upper, the staple design is now set for year-round use.
Nike ACG Mountain Fly Sneakers
ACG Mountain Fly Sneakers
Nike
Nike's ACG arm should be one of the first places you look for waterproofed anything. The Nike Mountain Fly silhouette feels like a sleek runner but a wrap-around sole unit, wide laces, and GORE-TEX upper suggest that this pair was designed to deal with more than your evening run through the park.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX
Fresh Foam Hierro v6 GTX
New Balance
While New Balance boldly takes over the lifestyle category, it's putting the work in more quietly on its engineered running category, too. The Hierro V6 GTX combines a lightweight silhouette with a rugged Vibram sole unit and GORE-TEX uppers for a comfy ride through any conditions.
11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi x Salomon Bamba 2 Sneakers
Salomon Bamba 2 Sneakers
11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi
Designer Boris Bidjan Saberi's ongoing partnership with Salomon is one of the most underrated collaborations in the world of sneakers today. Each drop sees Salomon's fan-favorite sneakers flipped on their head with dystopian aesthetics. This pair of waterproof Bamba 2 Sneakers is ready for the apocalypse.
Zegna x La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Sneakers
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Sneakers
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA
Coming in as one of the less likely collabs of 2021, but one that we absolutely love, is the Zegna x La Sportiva Ultra Raptor. Luxury Italian tailor meets outdoors specialist. A GORE-TEX lining ensures that whether you're treading the cobbled streets of an Italian mountain town or sloshing through muddy trails, you'll be as dry as you are stylish.
HOKA One One Kaha Low GTX
Kaha Low
HOKA One One
HOKA One One's wildly comfortable running sneakers invaded our lifestyle rotations a long time ago. Now they're even applicable throughout fall and winter thanks to a rugged Vibram sole unit and waterproof upper.
Nike Pegasus 3 Sneakers
Pegasus 3 Sneakers
Nike
Nike's Pegasus sneakers are a perfect everyday sneaker for those who are on the move, but they fall down in the colder months because of their lightweight build. Not anymore, though, thanks to this GORE-TEX reup of the long-running favorite.
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