Vibram® Enlists Expert Cobblers for Sole Factor Initiative, Launches Lightweight Performance Soles and FiveFingers® at Outdoor Retailer

Sole Factor consumer initiative focuses on upgrading, customization and repair of one’s existing shoes

July 30, 2015 (CONCORD, Mass.) – Vibram®, the worldwide leader in high performance soles, FiveFingers® and other premium outdoor products, announces the launch of its companywide initiative, Vibram Sole Factor, here in North America at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market (ORSM).

“Vibram Sole Factor presents the shoe outsole as an end product in and of itself, and provides an opportunity for consumers to upgrade their footwear for better durability and performance,” states Allon Cohne, chief marketing officer for Vibram USA. “Whether visiting your local cobbler or participating in our Sole Factor program, upgrading your favorite pair of footwear is fun, easy, affordable and sustainable.” 

The Vibram Sole Factor van will set up shop outside the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City during ORSM, promoting outsole customization and offering free upgrades on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will then roll out across the country, enlisting expert cobblers through Vibram’s network of shoe repair product distributors.

Upgrading soles through Vibram Sole Factor is simple: choose a sole online or from the Sole Factor catalog, then take advantage of free shipping to send in the footwear, and your shoes will be returned to you in 2-4 weeks.

“This program celebrates the art and craftsmanship of the cobbler, and Dave Page Cobbler is excited to partner with Vibram USA on the Sole Factor initiative,” states Dave Page, owner of Dave Page Cobbler in Seattle. “Now you can keep wearing your favorite shoes longer instead of replacing them—a win for consumers and the environment.”

New for Spring 2016 from its sole category, Vibram will introduce LIGHTBASE Tech, which are approximately 50% thinner and 30% lighter than previous Vibram soles in the same category. Using a vulcanized fabric compound, Vibram LIGHTBASE construction is for those serious about lightweight performance without sacrificing durability. Additionally, Vibram’s Megagrip rubber compound continues to see widespread adoption with Spring 2016 products from brands including The North Face, Hoka One One, Scott, Arc’Teryx, La Sportiva, Garmont, Salewa and Scarpa.

“We are pleased with the growing interest in our Megagrip compound, particularly its relevance here at Outdoor Retailer and across so many disciplines,” states Lawrence Anastasi, Vibram’s director of sales for soles and components. “Megagrip now has a legitimate place in hiking, trail running, fly-fishing and the freeride mountain biking categories.” 

New for Spring’16 from Vibram’s finished goods collection, Vibram FiveFingers® will introduce three new styles including the Bikila EVO 2 for runners making the transition to a minimalist shoe, the Spyridon MR Elite, which incorporates Megagrip for die-hard mud-runners, and the women’s specific, sports casual Vi-S sandal.

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Vibram FiveFingers revolutionized the shoe industry, igniting the minimalist movement, and is now seeing traction in the fitness, outdoor, water sports and sports casual categories.

Lastly, Vibram will debut new discs as a part of its rapidly growing disc golf category, and Rowdy Rubber Dog Toys, which use the same tough and durable Vibram rubber used to climb mountains all over the world.

Vibram’s Spring 2016 collections will be on display at booth #36164 at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City from August 5-8. Please visit www.vibram.com or follow us and our innovative products and services on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest.

About Vibram:

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 Danner, La Sportiva, Low, Merrell, Red Wing, Scarpa, The North Face, and many more. Vibram’s Five Finger shoe line is on the cutting-edge of the minimalist footwear trend. Visit Vibram.com for more info.