What is so unique about Vibram soles?
With the rise of gorpcore, Vibram soles are now seen on the shelves of many shoe retailers. Opinions on this new trend are mixed, but everyone can agree, it is the best sole out there. We recognize the yellow octagon anytime we can see it, but what makes this stamp so special?
The Vibram expertise dates from way back. It’s in 1954 that the soles hit the trails for the first time. But the idea of a performant sole came to life in 1935, right after a tragic incident.
To make a long story short, Vibram was named for its founder, a mountaineer named Vitale Bramani. He came with the brand idea after he lost 6 of his friends to the Italian Alps. He blamed their deaths on inadequate footwear.
That’s why, after many tests and prototypes, he engineered the first rubber lug sole. Essentially, it was a sole with deep tread like you see on a tractor or tank tire (he actually named the design “carrarmato” which is Italian for tank). It soon became the go-to sole in mountaineering gear.
Nowadays, over 1 000 shoemakers include Vibram soles in their products. This makes 35 million soles produced worldwide. And Grisport is a proud endorser!
They also build their pride on their sustainable practices, which apply to both the supply chain and factory workers. Vibram audits their suppliers to ensure they are in compliance with labour laws of the country. They have a zero-tolerance policy for suppliers who violate their ethics code.
What is a Vibram sole?
Today, Vibram soles are no longer made out of tire rubber. Instead, they’re mostly made of vulcanized rubber. Basically, it means the rubber is heated at a very high temperature to create a chemical reaction. It results in a rubber that has improved elasticity, resilience, tensile strength, viscosity, hardness and weather resistance.
Although most of their products are made out of vulcanized rubber, they developed other technologies over the years. Vibram soles are one of a kind and many believe they led the change in the sole industry.
What are the advantages of Vibram soles?
OK, we get it, Vibram soles have a unique history and technology, but what can we expect in terms of advantages? Here’s a few:
Traction: Rubber is an excellent anti-skid material, and all Vibram soles feature treading. The more pronounced the treading, the more grip you can expect.
Comfort: Rubber is also a very flexible material. It gives you cushioning, as well as conforming to the shape of your feet, which allows it to break in faster.
Waterproof: Vibram soles protect your feet from the wetness of rain and boggy conditions allowing you to hike without the discomfort of wet feet and boot rub.
Durability: Vibram soles are well known for their durability, offering years of wear even for frequent hikers.
Easy to clean: Vibram soles have deep treads that are able to expel dirt when you move your foot while walking, making them self-cleaning to an extent.
Sustainable production: Vibram produces a huge amount of soles. In line with their Sustainable Way commitment, 60% of their energy is from renewable sources, helping to reduce their effect on the environment.
How Long Do Vibram Soles Last?
It’s hard to tell exactly how long Vibram soles last. Their lifespan depends on how often it is worn. But we can give you an approximate lifespan depending on the use you make of them.
If it’s worn every weekend: it should last two years or more.
If it’s worn every day: it should last around 18 months or so.
If it’s only worn a few times a year: It could last a decade or more!
Where to Buy Vibram Soles?
As mentioned before, nowadays, Vibram soles are found in many different brands of shoes. Not all of them are reliable. Fortunately, you can find great quality shoes with Vibram soles at Grisport Canada! The comfort of the shoe itself combined with the comfort of a Vibram sole, makes Grisport shoes the best hiking gear you can get.
Not to mention the technology of Grisport shoes that makes them perfect for the Canadian weather.
See it for yourself! Shop our products.