Text size:

Gore-Tex travel footwear

Ronnie Gill

July 20, 2008

Gore-Tex travel shoe

HOW MUCH: From $109.95

DOES IT WORK? With the rising cost of oil, a versatile multipurpose shoe is more important than ever. The right footwear not only enables travelers to comfortably hoof it more frequently, it also will cut down on baggage weight, with one pair standing in for two or even three. The Gore-Tex travel footwear line for men and women - available from manufacturers such as Ecco, Merrell, Kenneth Cole, Timberland, New Balance, Stuart Weitzman and Clarks - measures up well. They all have a waterproof, breathable fabric liner which allows perspiration vapor to escape yet keeps the elements out, and many models carry you from daytime sightseeing to evening activities.

We "test drove" Ara's Portofino 40970 slip-on for women ($169, pictured), and liked its tapered stylishness. The stretch fabric upper makes it flexible, while the rubber sole helps on slippery surfaces. It goes as well with casual jeans as it does with dress slacks.

Available at gore-textravelfootwear.com

HOW MUCH: From $109.95

DOES IT WORK? With the rising cost of oil, a versatile multipurpose shoe is more important than ever. The right footwear not only enables travelers to comfortably hoof it more frequently, it also will cut down on baggage weight, with one pair standing in for two or even three. The Gore-Tex travel footwear line for men and women - available from manufacturers such as Ecco, Merrell, Kenneth Cole, Timberland, New Balance, Stuart Weitzman and Clarks - measures up well. They all have a waterproof, breathable fabric liner which allows perspiration vapor to escape yet keeps the elements out, and many models carry you from daytime sightseeing to evening activities.

We "test drove" Ara's Portofino 40970 slip-on for women ($169, pictured), and liked its tapered stylishness. The stretch fabric upper makes it flexible, while the rubber sole helps on slippery surfaces. It goes as well with casual jeans as it does with dress slacks.

Ara's Portofino is available at zappos.com and shoebuy .com. Check out the gore-textravelfoot wear.com Web site for other women's and men's styles and retailers.