Vitale Bramani

We Got Sole. Since 1937.

In 1935, 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.

Carrarmato: The First Vibram Sole

Assisted by Pirelli, Bramani patents his invention and launches the first Vibram sole.

1937

The First Production Facility

The Vibram production facility at Albizzate (Varese-Italy) opens.

1945

The K2 Conquest

A team of Italian mountain climbers, equipped with special Dolomite boots with Vibram 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, etc.

1954

Vibram In North America

The Quabaug Rubber Co. becomes the exclusive licensee and manufacturer of Vibram soles in North America.

1965

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.

1967

Golden Plaque

To highlight the new innovative “marca oro” (golden brand) compound, a yellow plate is adhered to the “1100 Montagna Suole” (1100 Mountain Soles) and “1100 Montagna Tacco” (1100 Mountain Heel). Over time, this plate would go on to become the symbol of the company.

1969

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.

1984

Vibram Grip

Grip is introduced. The first super-adherent rubber sole designed for freeclimbing, it will be used by all the greatest champions. Ever since, Vibram Grip has turned into a relevant part of our mission.

1988

Vibram Gumlite

Gumlite, a rubber-foam compound, that is highly resistant and 30% lighter than traditional rubber, is launched.

1989

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.

1991

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%. Vibram pioneered the use of ecological materials.

1994

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.

1995

Landing In The Far East

Our production center in China begins operations, matching the highest quality standards reached in Italy.

1998

Vibram Tester Team

The Vibram Tester Team was created to thoroughly understand and verify the performance of Vibram products in the most extreme situations by executing tests directly on the field with the most famous athletes in outdoor sports.

1999

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.

2000

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.

2001

Vibram Creative Lab

Vibram opens the "Creative Lab" in Milan, a space dedicated to the study of creative concepts in rubber. It led to the new footwear revolution, inspired by Vibram FiveFingers.

2002

Vibram Flip Flop

The Vibram Flip Flop is launched. Thanks to the exclusive Vibram technology and Sigerson Morrison design, the classic slipper changes.

2003

Just For Me

The Just for Me collection, an elegant techno-chic line of shoes designed by Vibram, is launched. It turned into an inspiration for all shoe designers.

2003

Vibram Fivefingers

Vibram launches FiveFingers, a foot glove, a true "second skin," revolutionizing the concept of walking "barefoot."

2004

Vibram Techno­logical Center

The China Technological Center is a symbol of Vibram’s commitment to research and innovation. Empowered by a Performing Test Center, the Center has the dual mission of expanding the range of Vibram technologies and reinforcing cooperation with other companies such as Timberland, Nike ACG, and New Balance, among others.

2007

Vibram Flagship Store Milano

Vibram opens a flagship store in Milan in Via Raffaello Sanzio.

2008

Vibram Store Boston

Vibram opens its second experiential store in the heart of Boston. Newbury Street is also home to some of the most important outdoor brands, like Vibram clients Patagonia and The North Face.

2012

Vibram Megagrip

Vibram develops the Megagrip compound. Unparalleled grip on wet and dry surfaces. Superior grip with rugged longevity. Optimal balance of stability and flexibility for ground adaptation. This compound turned into the highest standard for outdoor.

2013

Vibram Wearable Tech­nology

The Vibram® Smart Sole wirelessly communicates with smartphones and smartwatches to actively interact with the wearer. An interactive, programmable prevention tool.

2014