State of the art soles designed for the outdoors, recreation, the work place and formalwear.

Vibram experiences

If you are already a Vibram Customer, log in and access our complete online catalog, which includes specifications and repair information.

B2b catalogue
VIBRAM > About Us > The History

At the beginning of the last century, mountain climbing was something limited to only a few people who wore rudimentary wooden clogs. Later the “tricounis” appeared. They were the first true climbing shoes, supplied with a stiff set of hobnails. Although they brought clear progress on ice, they were particularly inefficient and dangerous for rock climbing. After several tragedies were caused by these hobnailed shoes, the “Vibram revolution” arrived.

In 1936, Vitale Bramani, an academic of the Italian Alpine Club, returning from a tragic alpine climb, had the intuition to apply the technique Pirelli used on automobile tires on shoe soles. Applying rubber under his mountain boots, he created the first vulcanized rubber soles and revolutionized the practice of mountain climbing.

It is thanks to this remarkable invention, that Vibram (a name created by combining its inventor's first and last names) built its reputation. Over the next few decades, Vibram developed a range of high performance products, suited to various uses. By combining this drive with their collective experience and knowledge, the company came to be the world leader in high-performance soles and synonymous with quality, performance and safety.

2009 Vibram China Technological Center
As a symbol of Vibram’s commitment in research and innovation, the Vibram China Technological Center opening was celebrated on April 9th with Chinese and Italian political and business representatives and authorities. Empowered by avant-garde structures and outstanding Performing Test Center, equipped with the latest research instruments for new products to be developed and tested, the Center has the dual mission of expanding the range of Vibram technologies and reinforcing the cooperation with other companies, building a true network of qualified partners.
2008 Grip Your World
Performing soles with maximum grip to unlock your world. It starts from the snow sports the new Vibram ad campaign which remarks the importance of having a perfect control of all the surfaces under your feet. Go anywhere and do everything, let the world be your oyster by trusting your gear and footwear.
2007 The Seventieth Anniversary
Vibram celebrates its seventieth anniversary and starts the construction of a new Technology Center at Canton, in China. The site is provided with state of the art infrastructures, including a futuristic Performing Test Center equipped with the latest research instruments.
2006 Just for Me
The Just for Me collection, an elegant techno-chic line of shoes designed by Vibram, is launched.
2005 FiveFingers
Vibram launches FiveFingers, a foot glove, a true “second skin,” revolutionizing the concept of walking “barefoot.”
2004 VSM Technology
Vibram presents VSM Technology, an innovation for Supermotard riders. Composed of a rubber sole and interchangeable sliders, VSM Technology offers performance and superior flexibility compared to those already present in the market.
2003 Flip Flop
The Vibram Flip Flop is launched. Thanks to the exclusive Vibram technology and Sigerson Morrison design, the classic slipper changes .
2002 The Annapurna Conquest
Alone, without additional oxygen and after three failed attempts, Jean Christophe Lafaille, along with his Vibram soles, conquers Annapurna.
2001 Vibram Monster
The Monster trekking sole is created. A revolutionary design, it uses directional fins to help the foot in following the correct biomechanical cycle.
2000 Yellow Tag International
Vibram sponsors the International Yellow-Tag Competition, created to award the most advanced expressions of design and technology in the use of rubber and elastic materials, in order to create the products of the future.
1999 Vibram Tester Team
Extreme climber Jean Christophe Lafaille joins the Vibram Tester Team and tests Vibram products in the most extreme situations, contributing to the company's commitment to research and development.
1998 Landing in the Far East
Our production center in China begins operations, matching the highest quality standards reached in Italy.
1995 Vibram Clusaz Rigid System
The Clusaz Rigid System is launched. It is the first mountain climbing sole provided with a rigid framework modeled in the rubber.
1994 Vibram Ecostep
Vibram introduces Ecostep, an innovative eco-mix, which incorporates production scraps, capable of reducing waste and the use of virgin materials by up to 30%.
1991 The First PU Innersole
Light and designed to absorb shock, the PU innersole and the Fourà sole are launched. PU immediately establishes itself as the standard for long distances, which require effective shock-protection.
1989 Vibram Gumlite
Gumlite, a rubber-foam compound, that is highly resistant and 30% lighter than traditional rubber, is launched.
1988 Vibram Grip
Grip is introduced. The first super-adherent rubber sole designed for freeclimbing, it will be used by all the greatest champions.
1984 Vibram Evaflex
Vibram enters the Dress and Casual market by launching Evaflex, a super light sole made of EVA for the maximum comfort of casual shoes.
1969 Golden Plaque
To highlight the new innovative “marca oro” (golden brand) compound, a yellow plate is to the “1100 Montagna Suole” (1100 Mountain Soles) and “1100 Montagna Tacco” (1100 Mountain Heel). Over time, this plate will become the symbol of the company.
1967 Vibram Security
Vibram joins the safety market, launching the Security sole, made with a compound based on oil-resistant Nitrile. Security is the first sole guaranteed for the life of the shoe.
1965 Vibram in North America
The Quabaug Rubber Co. becomes the exclusive licensee and manufacturer of Vibram soles in North America.
1954 The K2 Conquest
Guided by Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni, a team of Italian mountain climbers, equipped with special Dolomite boots with Vibram soles, conquers K2. It’s a great success celebrated by the international outdoors community, and marks the debut of the specialization of shoes by using different models for each leg of the expedition: trekking, approaching march, altitude, high altitude, etc.
1945 The First Production Facility
The Vibram production facility at Albizzate (Varese-Italy) opens.
1937 Carrarmato: The First Vibram Sole
Assisted by Pirelli, Bramani patents his invention and launches the first Vibram sole.
1936 The Original Idea
Tragedy drives Vitale Bramani to develop a sole capable of excellent traction on mixed surfaces. Using vulcanized rubber technology, he develops the Carrarmato design. It will soon be famous. Even today it remains one of the most used soles by mountain climbers.
1935 Tragedy
Six of Vitale Bramani's companions lose their lives on the Resica mountain. Contributing to the tragedy was the lack of suitable footwear for dealing with mixed surfaces such as extreme cold, ice and deep snow.

Next