History of Vibram

Vibram®️ story

Vibram's story is deeply rooted in its founder.

Vitale Bramani is a talented climber from the Alpine Club of Italy (CAI),

He was the entrepreneur who invented the Carrarmato sole.

Vibram®︎ What is Vibram?

CARRARMATO (1937)

Vitale Bramani patents his invention and launches the first Vibram sole.

Octagonal logo (1947)

Inspired by the octagonal arcades of Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, the logo is featured on all Vibram outsoles, paying homage to Vibram founder Vitale. In the same year, the first factory is opened in Gallarate, Varese.

First ascent of K2 (1954)

Equipped with special Dolomite boots with Calamato soles, a team of Italian climbers made the first successful ascent of K2. By using models that follow the environment of each section of the expedition, such as trekking, approach, altitude, high altitude, etc., it makes its debut in the specialized field of shoes.

New Vibram Factory (1957)

Opening of the new factory in Albizzate, Varese.
It is the home of today's Vibram production and management.

Vibram was born in North America (1964)

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

Vibram safety shoe sole (1967)

Entered the safety shoes market. Launched the first sole certified to safety shoe standards.

Yellow logo (1969)

vibram logo

The logo is made yellow gold to highlight the new innovative "Marca Oro" (Golden Brand) formulation. Over time, this yellow plate has become a symbol of all Vibram soles and the company.

VIBRAM FOURÀ (1980)

Based on Vibram's experience and achievements in the outdoor environment, the innovative sole was born in addition to Kalalmart from the time of its founding. Its design focuses on self-cleaning, flexibility that ensures greater freedom of movement for the foot through flex lines, and rolling for walking.

VIBRAM EVAFLEX (1984)

Entering the dress casual market with Evaflex, an ultra-light sole made of EVA that maximizes the comfort of casual shoes.

VIBRAM GRIP (1988)

The first ultra-adhesive rubber sole designed for free climbing with a concept of grip. It is used by free climber athletes around the world.

VIBRAM GUMLITE (1989)

Vibram Ecostep (1994)

Innovative recycling technology that incorporates production scrap to reduce waste and virgin material usage by up to 30%. Vibram becomes a pioneer in ecological materials.

Landing in the Far East (1998)

Started sole production in China. The highest quality standards achieved in Italy and the logistical demands of our brand partners.

VIBRAM MONSTER (2001)

Birth of monster trekking sole. It has an innovative design where the foot follows the correct biomechanical cycle via directional fins on the sole.

VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS (2004)

Developed FiveFingers, a true 'second skin' and footglove, revolutionizing the concept of walking 'barefoot'. Released worldwide in 2006, Time Magazine named it one of the "Best Inventions of 2007".

Milan flagship store (2008)

Opening of the flagship store on Via Raffaello Sanzio in Milan.

Vibram Technological Center (2009)

Opened a technological center in China. It is a symbol of Vibram's commitment to research and innovation, and a performing test center with a dual mission to expand the range of our technology and enhance cooperation with other companies.

Opened the first store in North America in Boston (2012)

We open our second experiential store in the heart of Boston.

VIBRAM MEGAGRIP (2013)

Developed the highest level of mega grip formulation. With unparalleled grip on wet and dry surfaces, and the optimum balance of stability and flexibility for adapting to the ground, it boasts the highest standards in outdoor activity.

VIBRAM SOLE FACTOR (2015)

Sole Factor is a mobile truck equipped with a cobbler lab where Vibram Sole Factor shoe specialists customize your shoes. We offer a service to customize any shoe with the desired performance and design of the Vibram sole.

VIBRAM ARCTIC GRIP (2016)

A true innovation in grip on ice. It excels in walking, especially on wet and icy roads, enabling safer winter hiking.

VIBRAM LITEBASE (2017)

Innovative mold solutions. 30% lighter sole weight without sacrificing performance.

VIBRAM CONNECTION LAB MILANO (2018)

The Vibram Connection Lab is a symbol of networking and interaction in the Vibram community. It is based in the Design District in Tortona, Milan, as a place for innovation and creativity. In the same year, a store and workspace were opened in Monte Belluna, a historic town in the mountaineering shoe system h.