Vibram Continues to Rock Climbing Community with XSGrip

Vibram®, the worldwide leader in high performance soles, continues to expand the number of products using XSGripâ„¢, a substantially stickier climbing compound. Developed over the course of 16 months of exhaustive lab and field-testing, XSGrip offers higher levels of grip while maintaining rigidity for edging and durability. The compound’s performance remains consistent even in extreme hot or cold climates. Both La Sportiva and SCARPA will be launching additional shoes in Spring 08 with a Vibram XSGrip sole.

Refined after testing by 32 climbers of varied styles and levels of expertise, on mixed indoor and outdoor surfaces, the XSGrip sole is available at retail now with new models to be launched in spring 2008.

“Although we have a well established history in the climbing community we continue to focus on innovation,” explained Tony Post, president, Vibram USA. “XSGrip illustrates our obsession with providing the ultimate in performance.”



XS Grip will be featured in La Sportiva’s Miura VS, a high performance Velcro shoe for amazing edging control and pocket climbing performance. The Miura VS furthers the design of La Sportiva’s very successful Miura lace-up, offering an easy-to-use Velcro system for on/off convenience. XSGrip can also be found on the Arco – a beautifully crafted Velcro shoe designed for all day comfort and performance; and the Nago, an all around lace-up shoe.

Three of SCARPA’S rock shoe models, will sport an XSGrip outsole, including Feroce, a high performance shoe designed for precision and power. The Feroce features a new low toe profile that can smear, pull on pockets and fit into cracks; and three power straps for a perfect fit. The Techno, a highly versatile, high performance trad shoe, and the Freestyle, a super-comfortable all day shoe, are both grounded with an XSGrip sole for superior grip.

Vibram® is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, and work footwear. Vibram soles have set the standard since Vitale Bramani created mountaineering’s first rubber lugged sole in the late 1930’s. 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 Danner, La Sportiva, Lowa, Merrell, Red Wing, SCARPA, The North Face, Timberland, Vasque, Wolverine and many more. For further information, visit www.vibram.com.