Vibram is an Italian company that specializes in the production of high-quality rubber soles. Today, in the sports and tourism industry, it is difficult to find a person who has never worn shoes with Vibram soles. This is a quality standard that hardly anyone can achieve. The reason for such popularity is probably that in 99% of cases, shoes made with Vibram soles are thrown away simply because the upper part of the shoe wears out, not the sole.
Advantages of Vibram Soles
- Excellent flexibility, which allows the shoes to repeat the natural movements of the feet;
- Non-slip rubber tread with Yellow Label Trek Compound, strategically placed for optimal grip on surfaces.
- Durability and wear resistance.
- Resistance to moisture and temperature changes.
The History of Vibram
As often happens in the development of new technologies, the creation of Vibram was preceded by a human tragedy. In 1935, Italian mountaineer Vitale Bramani and six friends set off on a mountain expedition to the Alps. The difference between modern high-tech gear and the equipment from the early 20th century is huge. Bramani was the only one who survived, believing that his friends lost their lives, as he believed, due to “inappropriate shoes”.
This tragedy motivated Vitale to create a new type of sole. Two years later, he patented his invention and introduced the first rubber soles with a new tread pattern called “Carrarmato” (Italian for “Tank Protector”). He named the company after the first syllables of his first and last name: VItale BRAMani = Vibram.
In 1954, an expedition provided Vibram with its first major breakthrough. The goal was to ascend K2 (Chogori), a massive and nearly inaccessible peak. While K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, it surpasses Everest in difficulty. No climber had ever reached its summit before. The leader of the expedition, Ardito Desio, took both the training of the team of Italian climbers and their equipment very seriously, choosing, among other things, mountain boots with Vibram soles. They successfully reached the peak, and part of that success belonged to Vibram. After this, the company expanded rapidly, conquering new markets and promoting its products.
Key Milestones in Vibram’s Development
1969 – The iconic Vibram logo was introduced and remains unchanged to this day.
1988 – The Grip sole was added to Vibram’s lineup.
1991 – Polyurethane was incorporated into Vibram soles, making them lighter and more shock-absorbent.
1993 – Vibram actively joined the environmental movement and created a new line of Ecostep soles. They are created from production residues. This helped reduce the use of new materials by 30%.
2013 – Introduction of the Megagrip sole, a breakthrough in grip technology, offering exceptional traction on both dry and wet surfaces. It quickly became a staple in trekking footwear.
Vibram Today
Today, Vibram is the undisputed leader in manufacturing soles for hiking boots, producing around 40 million soles annually. Despite its large-scale operations, the company stays true to its traditions, logo, and mission. Vibram, known for its environmentally challenging manufacturing facilities, actively implements sustainable programs and is part of the eco-movement.
Vibram collaborates with all major footwear brands and has offices in Italy, the USA, China, Japan, and Brazil. Choosing shoes with Vibram soles guarantees quality and reliability.
Vibram’s Product Range
Vibram offers a variety of rubber sole models primarily designed for mountaineers. However, the brand also produces soles for: motorcyclists, cyclists, hikers, skateboarders, golfers, hunters, as well as people working in extreme conditions, including firefighters and polar explorers.
Some Vibram soles can withstand temperatures up to 250°C, while others remain flexible even at -40°C.
Vibram produces soles for every person and every purpose. The key is to choose the right option based on Vibram’s internal classification, characteristics, and design.
