The Legend of Vibram® Soles

In 1935, Vitale Bramani led an expedition into the Italian Alps. The climbers used heavy, hobnailed boots for the approach, but then switched to thin-soled rock climbing boots for the assault. These climbing boots proved fatal when the expedition was hit by thick fog and a blizzard. Six climbers died from frostbite and exposure.

It was this tragic experience that drove Bramani to create an all-purpose climbing sole: lightweight, long-wearing and flexible. He developed rubber compounds with excellent traction and high abrasion resistance. He designed a new lug sole and called it Vibram®, after his own name.

Vibram® soles have gone on to conquer Mt. Everest, indeed since 1962 Vibram® soles have been on the shoes of K2 conquerors and still now the interest for the competitive ascent and researching the Himalayas and on Karakorum is very much alive. Vibram® often takes part in the expedition organized by the CNR (Italian National Research Council) to reach what many define as "the roof of the world": Everest. On this mountain, at the altitude of 16,568 feet, is the laboratory "Pyramid Observatory". This facility was created for the purpose of developing high-altitude scientific and technological activities for testing products and executing medical and physiological research. Vibram® had detailed studies done on its new products at the Pyramid. By relying on the great experience of the mountain-climbers and technicians of world renown laboratories, Vibram® conducted tests whose results are considered absolute, the utmost safety guarantee for mountain- climbers throughout the world.

Vibram® soles have gone on to become a legend throughout the world. Yet, the search for better soling products has never stopped. Vibram® soles are now found, not only on boots, but on a whole range of fine casual, service and dress footwear. Look for the distinctive Vibram® octagon with the Vibram® name inside; it's the symbol of excellence.

Today, the Vibram® brand is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soling products for outdoor, dress casual, and service footwear.