Some companies are destined to leave an indelible mark, just like Vibram, a historic Made in Italy outstanding business and a leader in developing and producing technical rubber soles that have revolutionized mountaineering, climbing, and beyond.
It all began in 1935, when Vitale Bramani, a Milanese born in the 1900s, mountaineer, guide and CAI academic, lost six of his nine climbing partners during an expedition, miraculously remaining unharmed. Among the reasons for the disaster was a lack of footwear with soles suitable for ice, snow and rock. To avoid similar tragedies in the future, Bramani sets about designing a rubber sole that performs well on even the most challenging terrain.
The origin of an icon
From this challenge came a timeless icon, the legendary Carrarmato sole, produced by Vibram, the company he founded in 1937 in Gallarate. The company’s name comes from the first letters of Bramanis’s first and last name. The sole, made of rubber and featuring the functional Carrarmato design, is an innovation that forever changed the way mountaineers tackled the most extreme terrain, giving them the safety they needed.
From mountaineering to city streets
Vibram’s destiny changed forever in 1954 when Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni wrote history by conquering the summit of K2 wearing boots equipped with Vibram’s revolutionary soles. Since then, Vibram has continued to push the limits, creating soles capable of tackling every terrain and discipline, from extreme hiking and trail running to the challenges of urban life. Today, the unmistakable yellow octagon with the Vibram logo is a symbol of excellence, chosen by explorers worldwide to turn every step into a certainty.
Innovation and sustainability
Research and development are at the core of the company. Vibram has introduced cutting-edge technologies, such as the Vibram N-OIL compound, composed of more than 90 percent natural materials, to offer a sustainable alternative without compromising quality. Another revolutionary innovation is the Vibram Traction Lug, which improves traction through three-dimensional lugs and specific grooves, providing better grip and stability on any surface.
In addition to producing soles for outdoor and work footwear, Vibram collaborates with the most prestigious brands in the industry to develop high-performance products. This synergy with the world of technical clothing and fashion has led to the creation of shoes that combine design and functionality, making Vibram a benchmark not only for sportsmen and women but also for those seeking maximum comfort in their everyday lives.
Among the most innovative models are the Vibram FiveFingers, minimalist shoes that mimic the sensation of walking barefoot, providing a natural experience and heightened awareness of movement, and the Furoshiki, which won the Compasso d’Oro in 2018 for the surprising new way of combining comfort and performance in a sneaker.
Present and future of the perfect footprint
Based in Albizzate, in the province of Varese, and with Fabrizio Gamberini as president, Vibram produces millions of soles each year for customers worldwide. In 2018, it opened the Vibram Connection Lab in Milan, an innovation and experimentation centre, to develop new solutions in the footwear industry. The company continues to invest in research and development, holding firm to its identity and exploring new frontiers of technology.
Congratulations to those who, by solving problems, bring Made in Italy quality and ingenuity to the world!
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