These are moulded rubber soles that are light in weight and offer excellent comfort, enhanced mobility and shock absorption.

Pronounced “vee-brahm,” these were invented in 1935 by Vitale Bramani following an unsuccessful hiking expedition in the Italian Alps where six of his friends died of exposure. Bramani set out to create soles that would be able to prevent accidents while out hiking and would be able to endure the elements. He worked with Leopoldo Pirelli (of the Pirelli tire company) to develop boots designed for hiking.

The iconic lugged tread pattern of a Vibram sole is called “Carramato” which loosely translates from the Italian term for tank treads.

Vibram was used in 1954 by the first successful expedition to conquer K2, the second largest mountain in the world.