Vibram outsole
Some inventions make a serious contribution to the development of tourism and sports. One of these discoveries was the Vibram sole.
About the brand
Vibram is an Italian company that produces unique shoe soles. Made of high strength rubber, it guarantees perfect grip on any surface.
It all started in the 1930s. Climber Vitale Bramani was the leader of the group heading to the Alps.
In the middle of the way climbers overtook a heavy snowfall. Instead of professional equipment during that period, thin-soled boots were used. Such shoes made it possible to feel the relief, but did not warm, and when wet, they were covered with ice.
Because of such shoes, several people died on that expedition. After this tragic story, Bramani decided to create a new mountaineering shoe.
Vitale opted for vulcanized rubber. For more than a year, he conducted tests, selected the necessary characteristics of rigidity, strength, and wear resistance. And the most important point was the development of a sole pattern that provides traction with the terrain.
The year 1937 was marked by the official patent for the Carrarmato sole, or "By way". The inventor then founded his trademark.The name was "Vibram", short for Vitale Bramani.
Boots with a unique sole quickly gained popularity among mountain climbers. But world fame came to the brand a little later.
Two climbers in Vibram boots conquer Chogori, one of the most dangerous peaks in the world. Since then, the branded sole has become a symbol of quality and reliability.
Why is the Vibram sole so good?
Many well-known manufacturers of sports and hiking equipment use unique soles for their products. These are mountain boots for tourism, trekking models and other demi-season and winter footwear options.
Benefits of the Vibram sole:
- excellent flexibility, allowing the shoe to follow the natural movements of the foot;
- anti-slip rubber Yellow Label Trek Compound;
- Protectors, located in a special way, providing perfect grip on surfaces;
- wear resistance, durability, resistance to moisture and temperature extremes.
Brand news
five fingers
FiveFingers is the famous invention of the Vibram brand. The original shoes in the form of a kind of "gloves" for the foot conquered the world.
What are the benefits of Vibram Fivefingers?
- Benefit for health. The shoes are created taking into account all the anatomical features of the human foot. It evenly distributes the load, creates the feeling of walking barefoot, useful for the nervous and circulatory systems of the body.
- Lightness and comfort. A thin rubber outsole makes the shoe weightless.
- Clutch reliability. The special Vibram technology provides excellent stability on any dry and wet surfaces.
- Complete protection. Despite the thin material, the shoes protect the foot from damage as much as possible.
- Hygiene.Microfiber with an antibacterial coating, from which the shoes are made, allows the skin to "breathe" and removes excess moisture to the outside. At the same time, the shoes perfectly tolerate washing and dry quickly.
As for the design, the models are made in various versions. These are slates, and light mesh slippers, and sneakers. The model can be supplemented with Velcro or laces. The color scheme is also varied.
Merrell
Merell is a well-known manufacturer of footwear for tourism and outdoor activities.
In the creation of models, Merrell uses both soles of its own production and Vibram.
All models are made using special technologies, they are comfortable and durable.
For example, insulated men's sneakers Merrell Moab, created for difficult hikes and mountain tourism.
The model does not allow moisture to pass through, allows the feet to "breathe", warms and provides excellent stability on any, even icy surfaces. The outsole temperature indicator changes color to blue when frost is likely to form.
The shoe features a nylon shank for support and impact protection. The shoes are waterproof and durable.
And here are the high insulated boots Merrell Capra Glacial, also suitable for mountain tourism and general hiking.
Stylish women's sneakers Merrell Bare Access Arc 4 designed for running on difficult routes. The model has excellent cushioning and grip.
Insulated Merrell Aurora 6 Ice+WTPF ideal for mountain climbing in winter. Vibram Arctic Grip sole with indicator, waterproof membrane, air exchange system - everything is thought out to the smallest detail.
Continuum
Merrell's Continuum concept is based on the creation of a complete collection of footwear for all outdoor activities. These are boots for walking and country trips, as well as professional shoes for hiking and mountain sports. All models use the Vibram sole.
Waterproof
Waterproof Construction is a Merrell technology that provides absolute water protection for shoes. For this, a special ultra-thin nylon coating is used.
For example, waterproof winter boots Merrell Thermo 6 Waterproof. The model is equipped with Thinsulate insulation, an insulating insole and a Vibram Thermo 6 outsole with increased traction.
Furoshiki
Furoshiki is an invention of Japanese designer Masaya Hashimoto. This is a unique type of shoe that does not have laces and zippers. Wrapped around the foot, the fabric flap with Vibram sole forms the perfect footwear for sports and leisure.
Furoshiki immediately won the sympathy of customers. Initially, original sneakers appeared, and then high boots made of soft and durable material in various colors.
Furoshiki shoes solve many problems. This is a great option for people with an intermediate foot size, large fatness or a non-standard foot structure.
Grisport
Grisport (Grisport) is a well-known Italian company that produces shoes for walking, outdoor activities and specialized industrial models of boots. The brand also works closely with Vibram to provide excellent grip and durability.
For everyday wear and outdoor activities, demi-season boots of laconic design made of high-quality nubuck are suitable.
The winter version, made in a sporty style from Alaska genuine leather, can be used both on country trips and on hiking trips.
Stylish insulated urban model will give the image of individuality and give comfort. The special GriTex membrane allows the feet to "breathe" and protects the shoes from moisture penetration. The Vibram sole technology guarantees excellent stability on winter roads.
But light demi-season sneakers made of natural suede. Original design, moisture resistance, comfort and excellent grip - everything you need for training.
ascot kenia
Ascot is an English brand that produces men's, women's and children's shoes. The most popular brands are sneakers for running, walking and trekking, as well as casual boots. Many models use the Vibram sole.
For example, Ascot kenia winter boots. The legendary trekking model combines lightness, reliability and comfort. The boots are made of waterproof nubuck with Thinsulate insulation. The model is heat-resistant, provides reliable support for the foot, stability on uneven and slippery surfaces.
Scarpa
Scarpa is a famous brand from Italy. Today it is a recognized leader in the production of mountain boots. There are also shoes for tourism in the assortment of the brand.
One of the most popular models from Scarpa - Mojito. This is a versatile option, suitable for everyday wear, and for travel, and for hiking in the mountains. GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet warm in any weather.
Another model with a Vibram sole is stylish boots. KINESIS TECH GTX for mountaineering and trekking. An excellent option that combines maximum stability, warmth, comfort and reliability.
ECCO
Popular footwear manufacturer ECCO uses Vibram soles in its Walking, Outdoor and Performance collections. The sole is fixed by vulcanization due to a layer of polyurethane. Thanks to this, models for outdoor activities become even more reliable and practical.
Boots ECCO XPEDITION with GORE-TEX membrane and Vibram sole - great for hiking and outdoor recreation.
Faraday
The Russian company "FARADEI" specializes in the production of footwear for military personnel, employees of law enforcement and security agencies. The range of the brand also includes shoes for outdoor activities, for the creation of which the Vibram sole is used.
For example, comfortable lightweight sneakers made of natural nubuck with water-repellent impregnation and an anatomical insole.
Or high waterproof boots in nubuck with GORE-TEX technology. A great option for everyday wear, and for tourism.
How much are
Prices for shoes with Vibram soles vary. The cost depends on the manufacturer, model and its characteristics.
Fivefingers sell for about $150 a pair. Furoshiki is about $140.
Prices for Merrell demi-season shoes range from 6,000 to 9,000 rubles. Insulated winter versions of the brand cost from 10,000 rubles and more.
The minimum cost of Grisport shoes is 7000 rubles.
How to distinguish an original from a fake
To guarantee the receipt of original shoes with Vibram soles, it is better to purchase products from official representatives of companies or on the websites of manufacturing brands.
When buying shoes in other places, you should pay attention to the quality of the materials, the accuracy of the seams, the absence of visible defects, the correct spelling of the brand name, packaging and other nuances.
Reviews
Most owners of shoes with Vibram soles confirm the excellent quality of the products. Shoes provide the necessary grip on various surfaces, are flexible and durable.
Since Vibram mainly works with well-known and recognized brands, their shoes usually meet the declared characteristics.
Models are resistant to moisture and low temperatures. The strength and durability of shoes with a unique sole is also confirmed by the reviews of satisfied customers.
Vibram FiveFingers models delight most outdoor enthusiasts. They note the lightness, comfort, grip of the sole and the unique feeling of bare feet. However, some owners of this original shoe say that the material slightly rubs the fingers, which causes discomfort during long wear.