CONCORD, Mass. (April 5, 2017) – Vibram®, the worldwide leader in high-performance soles and the creator of the Vibram FiveFingers® articulated toe shoe, today announced the 80th anniversary of its iconic Carrarmato sole.
The Carrarmato dates back to Vibram’s founder, Vitale Bramani. In 1935, when a climbing accident involving six of Bramani’s mountaineering friends in the Italian Alps was partially blamed on inadequate footwear, the incident drove Bramani to develop a new climbing sole. Two years later, he launched the first vulcanized rubber lug soles on the market with a tread design called the Carrarmato, which translates in English to “tank tread.” Today, the Carrarmato sole is one of the most requested and recognized soles in the world.
“The fact that this sole has withstood the test of time and spanned generations of style proves the flexibility of its design,” said Paolo Manuzzi, global general manager of Vibram. “It’s clearly maintained its relevance in the marketplace, inspired many designers and has served as a benchmark of the highest level of quality, performance and safety.”
Vibram’s Carrarmato sole design offered innovation from the beginning:
· A large contact area for grip on rock
· Multiple hexagonal lugs for sensitivity and grip
· Mud clearing channels for safety on heavy ground
· Strong and undercut heel for downhill braking performance
· Engraved shank for better grip on uneven ground
In addition to redefining mountaineering for more than a half century, the Carrarmato sole is one of the most recognized lug designs in the world, transcending technical mountain boots to mainstream footwear fashion.
Vibram’s 2017 Carrarmato sole is being incorporated by the following brands: Banana Republic, Chippewa, Danner, Eastland, Eddie Bauer, FRYE, Nick’s Boots, OTZ, Red Wing, Samuel Hubbard, Timberland, Trask, VFC and Woolrich.
In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Carrarmato sole, Vibram is selling Carrarmato products at its experiential Vibram store in the heart of Boston. Additionally, Danner, Eddie Bauer and the Chippewa brands will be participating in an online Carrarmato anniversary special. Lastly, Vibram’s Sole Factor program and Footwear Customization Lab, an initiative designed to allow one to upgrade your current shoe with a new Vibram sole, will be offering several unique Carrarmato designs for 2017. Both the Carrarmato anniversary special and Sole Factor program will be presented at www.vibram.com.
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Vibram is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world’s greatest climbers and athletes. Vibram soles have gone on to conquer Mt. Everest, K2 and a host of the world’s tallest peaks. Today, the company works with premium brands including Merrrell, Danner, La Sportiva, Lowa, Red Wing, Sperry, Scarpa, The North Face, and many more. Vibram’s Five Finger shoe line is on the cutting-edge of the minimalist footwear trend. Please visit us at www.vibram.com or follow us and our innovative products and services on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram &Pinterest.
