Starting as a manufacturer of soles for mountaineering boots in Italy, Vibram is now synonymous with rubber soles. Its true value lies not only in its shape but also in the "composition" of its materials.

We consistently pursue grip and traction.

"We are a brand born in the mountains," said Paolo Manuzzi, president of Vibram Italia. Founder Vitale Bramani, a mountaineer himself, introduced rubber soles in 1937, applying tire manufacturing technology to mountaineering boots, which at the time predominantly used leather soles, in order to enable safe and comfortable climbing. The sole, named "Carrarmato" (meaning caterpillar) with the intention of providing high performance in any conditions, later became known as the "tank sole" and gained popularity worldwide.


"Currently, we offer a wide range of high-quality items, not only for mountaineering but also for work shoes, fashion and lifestyle products, and shoe repair," says President Manuzzi. He further describes their company as a "compound company," meaning they achieve various functions and properties required for soles through the composition of rubber. He also states that "what we have pursued since the company's inception is grip and traction."

He further states that this is still insufficient for those of us living in urban areas and is an element that is still needed. "People don't really realize it until they actually fall down." Currently, while developing soles that are lighter and thinner, they are also introducing soles with environmentally conscious formulations, such as "N-OIL," which is made from over 90% naturally derived materials. However, since "ECOSTEP," which uses recycled rubber, has been on sale since 1994, the company can be said to be a pioneer in terms of sustainability as well.



During the shoe fair, a special Vibram booth will appear inside the venue. A demonstration event will be held where visitors can experience two of Vibram's proud technologies on test machines set up at the shoe fair: MEGA GRIP, which provides excellent grip on wet surfaces such as rain, mud, and swamps, and ARCTIC GRIP compound, which was developed for safe walking on wet ice.