The outsole is one of the key factors in choosing a hiking shoe. One brand specialising in premium outsole manufacturing has made its mark on the market... A closer look at the Vibram® sole.
Vibram® sole: everything you need to know
Vibram® is an Italian company specialising in the manufacture of rubber outsoles. A true reference in the outdoor world, Vibram® soles were originally designed primarily for hiking shoes and climbing shoes. They now come in a wide range of applications, suited to everything from everyday shoes and sneakers to winter boots. Let's explore why Vibram® soles continue to win over hikers the world over.
If one feature were to stand out as the most important in a hiking shoe outsole, it would undoubtedly be grip. In the mountains, and in hiking generally, it's essential that your shoe sole provides sufficient traction on the ground — your safety depends on it. Vibram® soles are made from a rubber compound with exceptional traction on all terrain types. Whether you're on a wet grassy slope or climbing a rocky trail, they deliver impeccable grip alongside a level of comfort that's well worth appreciating.
The different types of Vibram® sole
There are different types of Vibram® soles to choose from, depending on your level and activity. Some feature a particularly wide grip surface with a highly effective lug system, ensuring grip adheres without issue on rock or wet surfaces. Others feature an EVA midsole for greater comfort and lightness, but above all for better shock absorption and therefore more effective cushioning. Some soles are shaped to channel debris more effectively; others are especially flexible and lightweight, promoting optimal foot movement while reducing fatigue and effort; and others still come with a toe cap for enhanced foot protection. All are notably durable and comfortable. Some combine several of the features listed above — or virtually all of them, as demonstrated by the Vibram® Foura sole, which features a self-cleaning tread pattern with excellent traction, a toe cap, a reinforced heel and a cushioning polyurethane midsole compound.
