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We develop products that work better and last longer. They solve real problems and impress with clear design and honest materials.
History of the Vibram® brand
The story began in 1935, when VITALE BRAMANI first replaced a leather sole with a piece of rubber. It survived a climb of K2 with significantly less wear than a leather sole. The image below shows the design of the very first sole.
Bramani had the system patented and launched the first cleated sole on the market. He called the design, now widely known, “Carramato”:
Since 1945, when craft production began in Albizzate, Italy, VIBRAM gradually developed various compounds for shoes under different conditions of use – for example, for trekking, work, and casual shoes.
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Vibram today
Today, a particular focus is on work shoes. Their soles must pass demanding slip-resistance tests (trekking, military, and police shoes), be resistant to oils and fuels (firefighter boots), or show especially low wear (forestry and hunting shoes). Special compounds ensure that the sole doesn't deform at high temperatures and doesn't crack in extreme cold.
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These different compounds are combined with countless tread designs. The tread pattern is by no means random or purely aesthetic. Whether for trekking or work shoes, the design of the outsole must meet several requirements. The sketch shows, as an example, the logical arrangement of the tread lugs (see the numbers in the image) and their respective function (color coding). Together they form the overall design:
Vibram® patent
The design of VIBRAM® soles is protected by patent and copyright. This protects brands that use Vibram® products from counterfeits.
Wide contact areas for grip on rocky ground
Linear arrangement for a natural rolling motion and flexibility
Recesses in the arch area provide support on uneven terrain
The entire tread is medium-depth, making it especially versatile on different surfaces.
Maximum grip on smooth ground
Good forward traction when starting off and walking on soft ground
Braking effect when descending on soft or hard ground
The shape and arrangement of these lugs support overall stability
Orange arrows mark the “open” tread pattern, which improves self-cleaning. As a result, dirt doesn't get lodged in the tread and comes loose easily while walking.
