Nike GORE-TEX

The first piece of Nike footwear to introduce GORE-TEX technology dates all the way back to 1981 with the Air Approach. These were released as a Nike Hiking shoe, a line that preceded the more commonly known ACG (All Conditions Gear) division that started in 1988. In the four decades since, Nike has worked with Gore-Tex on a variety of trail-based footwear and waterproof jackets, meaning that wearing the Swoosh makes life that much more simple.

The early ‘00s saw Nike expand on its technical range of trail runners, with the likes of the ACG Wildedge GORE-TEX (2007) and the SFB Field (2009) both providing updated alternatives to the brand’s previous output. These pieces of footwear still helped you battle the elements but did so in a lightweight and comfortable fashion thanks to new discoveries like Nike’s seamless technology and GORE-TEX’s improved XCR and Gen 2 range.

Fast forward to 2019 and silhouettes like the Nike Zoom Pegasus 36 Trail GTX and the Air Force 1 GORE-TEX showed us that the Swoosh was stepping up its game yet again. The Pegasus was a favourite amongst runners who enjoyed all the former cushioning of the shoe’s road running heritage, packed into this new trail-ready update. The techwear crowd also took a hold of the shoe, as the debut “Black” edition was both stealthy and sleek, fitting perfectly into their wardrobe full of dark shades. The pair could have easily belonged to the former NikeLAB ACG collections which had a huge hand in growing the techwear aesthetic.

The Air Force 1 GORE-TEX was also a huge success, taking the ‘80s basketball icon and giving it a rugged make-up. Kitted out with a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, the streetwear staple now “leaves you with zero reason to stay indoors”, as Nike itself put it. This functional take on a streetwear classic was for everyone, making its way onto the feet of those who would usually buy another pair of ‘white-on-whites’, now opting for a familiar face with added durability.

As 2020 arrived, so did a slew of new ACG silhouettes that boasted GORE-TEX branding. Setting a new technical standard for a hiking boot was Nike’s ACG Mountain Fly GORE-TEX from 2020, the first hiking boot to feature a carbon footplate, an element normally found on top-tier running shoes. The ACG Air Nasu also arrived that year, providing an affordable weather-proof iteration that echoed ‘90s releases like the Air Humara. In 2022, the Air Max 90 was given a GORE-TEX makeover, which similar to the Air Force 1 iteration, gave a heritage silhouette a new functional version that people were eager to add to the rotation.

As time progresses, so does the partnership between Nike and GORE-TEX. Whether it’s a brand-new model or an updated classic, there is always room for footwear that makes our lives easier. As the two continue to explore the boundaries, we’re happy knowing the future can look both functional and stylish!