You are going to begin to hear a lot about GORE-TEX® SURROUND™ in the outdoor industry heading into 2015, as the legendary waterproof-breathable textile company rolls out its latest waterproof breathable technology for footwear companies.
GORE-TEX® SURROUND™ hit the market early in 2014 with one shoe, the Salewa Ramble GORE-TEX® hiking shoe. We have the Ramble shoe for men and the Ramble for women.
Salewa was privileged to be the first and only company to include the new SURROUND™ waterproof breathable fabric in its 2014 line–offering a new “Alpine life” shoe that provides 360-degree waterproofing and breathability for maximum climate comfort. Made of fine Italian suede and constructed in Romania, the Salewa Ramble GORE-TEX® was met with resounding success. It recently received the ultimate “stamp of approval” by being given National Geographic’s 2014 Gear of the Year Award for its waterproof footwear technology.
Why use GORE-TEX® SURROUND™ in the Salewa Ramble?
One of the primary deterrents of waterproof shoes has been the comfort and breathability of the bottom of the foot within the shoe—no matter how breathable the upper, the sole has always blocked moisture from escaping. More often than not, this results with the foot becoming hot and/or sweaty, which ultimately leads to irritation and discomfort. GORE has developed GORE-TEX® SURROUND™ to alleviate this problem.
What is GORE-TEX® SURROUND™? GORE-TEX® SURROUND™ product technology is the first and only technology that allows a “foot-encompassing” breathable and durable waterproof membrane in hiking footwear. Traditional hiking shoes and boots are completely enclosed beneath the foot. With this new membrane, moisture is rapidly channelled away from the foot via the patented open construction of the SURROUND™ product technology.
Moisture and warmth can escape from below the foot through the GORE-TEX® membrane into what is called a “spacer”, and from there, through the lateral sides of the shoe via the ventilation outlets. This results in drier feet and protection from both the internal micro-climate within the shoe and the external environmental climate.
Early review of the Salewa Ramble
I now own the Salewa hiking boot, the trekking shoe, and now this remarkable everyday shoe. By far the most flex (boot has least but stiil exudes comfort with little break-in). They are feather light with good support and a fantastic footbed and snug heel. Excellent lacing system. I feel like they were custom made for me.
– Product review by verified buyer ratchettt from TN
GORE-TEX® SURROUND™ footwear is the perfect choice for moderate to warmer environments that experience a lot of rainfall by offering comfortable and reliable protection from water while walking through mud, rain puddles, or when hiking through wet grass. It is the perfect all-around shoe for the Eastern Tennessee outdoor enthusiast and has quickly become a staff favorite this fall at Rock/Creek here in Chattanooga.
In Salewa’s sleek Ramble GORE-TEX® Alpine lifestyle shoe, there are vents in the sole–more than 70–through which moisture can exit. The famous GORE promise, “guaranteed to keep you dry”, can now include one of the toughest parts of the body to keep comfortable –your feet. By Fall of 2015, SURROUND™ technology will be featured in footwear by nearly two dozen manufacturers. In the meantime, this winter, Rock/Creek is your exclusive local Salewa retailer…stop by and try the Ramble GORE-TEX® on for yourself! We’re committed to finding the coolest outdoor clothing and gear, and we’re excited about this shoe.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments, and we’d love to get your review on the product pages as well.
Notably, several other items we sell also won the same Gear of the Year distinction. Check out these awesome products we have at Rock/Creek:
- GoPro Hero 4 hands-free camera
- Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody stretchy insulated jacket
- Yakima Whispbar kayak carrier for you car
- Yeti Hopper soft-sided cooler
Salewa's Ramble GTX Shoes Win Nat Geo "Gear of the Year" Award http://t.co/hJ7KmOe6sc
— Rock/Creek (@RockCreek) December 12, 2014
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