Vibram S.p.A. is an Italian company based in Albizzate that both manufactures and licenses the production of Vibram branded rubber outsoles for footwear. The company is named after its founder, Vitale Bramani who is credited with inventing the first rubber lug. Vibram soles were first used on mountaineering boots, replacing leather soles fitted with hobnails or steel cleats, commonly used up until then.
In 1935, the deaths of six of Bramani’s mountaineering friends in the Italian Alps was partly blamed on inadequate footwear. The tragedy drove Bramani to develop a new climbing sole. Two years later, he patented his invention and launched the first rubber lug soles on the market with a tread design called the ‘Carrarmato’ (tank tread), with the financial backing of Leopoldo Pirelli of Pirelli tires.
The sole was designed to provide excellent traction on the widest range of surfaces, have a high degree of abrasion resistance, and was made using the latest vulcanized rubber of the time. In 1954, the first successful ascent to the summit of K2 was made by an Italian expedition, wearing Vibram rubber on their soles.
Today, Vibram soles are manufactured in Brazil, China, Italy, the Czech Republic and the United States, and are used by more than 1,000 footwear manufacturers in their footwear products. Vibram is well known for pioneering the barefoot running movement with the FiveFingers line of shoes, that mimic the look and mechanics of being barefoot.
In the United States, Vibram soling products are manufactured under exclusive license by Quabaug Corporation of North Brookfield, Massachusetts. Although the brand is best known among the outdoor and mountaineering community, Vibram produces numerous models of soles specifically designed for fashion, military, rescue, law enforcement or industrial use. Vibram also produces soles used exclusively for footwear resoling.
Vibram also produces a line of discs for the sport of disc golf, although they announced in August 2018 their exit from supporting the sport. They have released several putters and fairway drivers. Vibram soles were also used as a product placement for Bee Movie, which was released in 2007.
The Vibram Technological Center is a platform of technical excellence. This research and development center broadens Vibram’s range of technology and strengthens its collaboration with other operators in the sector, building a network of qualified partners.
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.
You are the technology when you engage the motion of bare feet with the ultimate training shoe from Vibram. FiveFingers shoes have highly durable, flexible Vibram soles that contour to the shape of the natural human foot while offering the protection and grip for optimal all-around performance. These minimalist shoes stay grounded while hiking, trekking, working out, bouldering, running, and indoor or outdoor adventures.
Discover the easy-on, multi-use, adjustable fit, packable, ‘on the go’, minimalist design of Furoshiki by Vibram. This freeform footwear offers a flexible wrap-around design for a comfort fit, lightly cushioned foot-bed for support, and outsoles with tremendous traction. A minimalist shoe and boot, versatile enough to fold flat for travel and comfortable enough for all-day wear. For everywhere you go and everything you do, there’s Furoshiki!
IWF SHANGHAI Fitness Expo:
02.29 – 03.02, 2020
Shanghai New International Expo Center
https://www.ciwf.com.cn/en/
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#shoes #footwear #Furoshiki
#VitaleBramani #Italy
Post time: Jun-08-2019