We got sole. Since 1937.
Vibram is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance rubber soles for outdoor and leisure activities, workwear, fashion, orthopaedics and correction. For over 80 years the yellow octagon that symbolises Vibram has been synonymous worldwide with quality, performance, safety and innovation in the footwear industry. With its international headquarters in Albizzate (Varese) Italy, Vibram produces more than 40 million soles every year, dedicates over one million kilometres to testing, is present in 120 countries and has manufacturing, research and representation bases in the USA, China, Japan, Brazil and Italy.
Vitale Bramani has left its mark on Italian mountaineering and international entrepreneurship. After his succes as an alpinist, in 1937 his alpine side gives up to that one of a visionary enterpreneur with the invention of Carrarmato sole.
The Carrarmato sole represents the first innovative Vibram signature for alpinism because Carrarmato encompass the grip of the mountain shoes and the strength of spiked mountain boots. What distinguishes the technological innovation of the first Vibram sole is the combination of rubber, used as a material, with the iconic and functional tank (a carrarmato) design.
The logo appears on every Vibram sole, inspired by the Milanese Vittorio Emanuele II octagonal arcade, is an homage to Vibram’s origins. In the same year, the first production facility opens in Gallarate, Varese.
A team of Italian mountain climbers, equipped with special Dolomite boots with Vibram Carrarmato soles, conquers K2. It marks the debut of the specialization of shoes by using different models for each leg of the expedition: trekking, approaching march, altitude, high altitude.
The new factory opens in Albizzate, Varese. Today, the factory -a former cotton mill -is one of the production and administration hubs of the company.
The Quabaug Rubber Co. becomes the exclusive licensee and manufacturer of Vibram soles in North America.
Vibram joins the safety market, launching the Security sole, the first sole guaranteed for the life of the shoe.
The logo becomes yellow gold, to highlight the new innovative“Marca Oro” (Golden Brand) compound. Over time, this yellow plate became the distinguishing sign on every Vibram sole and the company symbol.
Vibram enters the Dress and Casual market with Evaflex, a super light sole made of EVA for the maximum comfort of casual shoes.
Vibram introduces the grip concept. The first super-adherent rubber sole designed for freeclimbing; it will be used by all the greatest champions.
An highly resistant rubber-foam and a 30% lighter than traditional rubber compound.
The revolutionary derivative of the Carrarmato, inspired by the outdoor experience branded Vibram USA. Its design focuses on the increasing need for a self-cleaning profile, the flexibility to guarantee the wider foot’s freedom of movement, the rolling profile to favour walking.
An innovative eco-mix, which incorporates production scraps, capable of reducing waste and the use of virgin materials by up to 30%. Vibram pioneered the use of ecological materials.
Vibram starts soles production in China: matching the highest quality standards reached in Italy and the logistic requests of brand partners.
Vibram presents Monster trekking sole; its revolutionary design helps the foot in following a correct biomechanical cycle through sole’s directional fins.
Vibram develops FiveFingers, a foot glove, a true "second skin", revolutionizing the concept of walking "barefoot". In 2006, FiveFingers is presented globally, being named one of the “Best Invention of 2007”by Time Magazine.
Vibram opens a flagship store in Milan, located in via Raffaello Sanzio.
The Technological Center opened in China, a symbol of Vibram’s commitment to research and innovation. Empowered by a Performing Test Center with the dual mission of expanding the range of Vibram technologies and reinforcing cooperation with other companies.
Vibram opens its second experiential store in the heart of Boston.
Vibram develops Megagrip compound, the highest standard for outdoors: unparalleled grip on wet and dry surfaces, optimal balance of stability and flexibility for ground adaptation.
Sole Factor is an itineranttruck equipped with a cobbler laboratory, where Vibram Sole Factor’s shoe specialists personalize end consumer’s shoes, offering the chance to customize each type of shoe with a Vibram sole, depending on desired performance and personal taste.
In 2015, Quabaug was sold to Vibram SpA. Both parties thought this was the best solution to keep manufacturing in North Brookfield for the second hundred years
A true innovation in terms of grip on frozen surfaces, in particular on wet ice, to achieve more safety during winter hikes.
An innovative co-molding solution, studied with the aim to keep the performance reducingsole’s weight up to 30%.
Vibram Connection Lab is a nevralgic center of innovation and creativity in the heart of Milan’s Tortona Design District. The Lab is a symbol of networking and interaction for the Vibram Community. In the same year, Vibram opens a store and work space in Montebelluna, the outdoor shoe system’s historic city.
Developed at Vibram Connection Lab in Milan, Vibram Wrap Tech is a sole wrapping the shoe upper, making it more functional and eco-friendly.
Vibram Connection Lab opens in Boston (USA), it dialogues with the Lab in Milan, sharing common intents and principles with Milan’s Lab.
Vibram Traction Lug is the innovative, new design concept that focuses on the key element in traction, the shape of the lug. Thanks to athletes’ know-how, and the constant drive by Vibram to enhance grip and traction, Vibram’s Traction Lug revolutionizes your activity outside: increased traction up to 25%. Adding stability, and improving surface area by 50%. The science proves propulsion and braking power without comparison.
Vibram.LA is a creative and exploratory hub for makers, local brands, and mixed artists to collaborate on utilitizing our Vibram offerings.
Vibram has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Negro sole factory. The partnership will allow Vibram to make use of the sole factory's products and exclusive industrial techniques. In particular, an "in house" technology for the sole/midsole combination.
Vibram recently opened a new space in Boulder Colorado. This space will be a hub for athletes, testers and the local outdoor community. It includes two bright, roomy office spaces, as well as a main area that will be focused on testing (treadmill and climbing wall), as well as a showroom set up.
