Vibram Expands Market For Environmentally-Friendly Ecostep

Vibram, the world’s leading producer of high performance soles, is enjoying the fruits of its conservation labors with the adoption of its eco-friendly compound by three outdoor industry pioneers. Burton, Patagonia and Timberland will feature Ecostep in their fall 2006, winter 2007 lines.

Ecostep is a rubber compound formulated by using 30% recycled material from the outsole manufacturing process. It has long been used as an additive to asphalt, improving highway durability, and in children’s playgrounds making them safer. Now Vibram takes its recycling efforts one step further by incorporating their scrap into quality Vibram soles.

“Since its very beginnings as the world’s first lugged sole for mountaineering, Vibram has been linked to the outdoors in a special way, and the company is always searching for creative ways to respect nature, and minimize the environmental impact of its activities.” explained Vibram USA President Tony Post, who is a board member of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). “With Ecostep, we have found a way to continue our commitment to the outdoor conservation effort and still provide a high quality product to our customers.”

Timberland is introducing two products that will feature Vibram’s Ecostep sole. The Winter Park Lace Boot is designed for hiking and light travel with an msrp of $130. In addition, the organically tanned full-grain leather Greenscapes Mountain Sneaker, with an msrp of $95 is ideal for the mountain lifestyle. The exclusive Vibram Ecostep outsole provides lightweight traction.

Patagonia is featuring the Ecostep sole in their Drifter GTX, a low-cut hiking boot with an msrp of $130. The Vibram sole ensures durability and traction in a variety of terrains

Burton’s Driver X, an all-mountain freeride boot, features the Vibram Ecostep outsole, designed to deliver superior uphill and downhill traction. The sole addresses all of the key criteria of a high performance boot. In the toe there is a snow-cat inspired tread for
uphill traction in backcountry and hard pack.

Driver X’s contrasting colored “Ice Spikes” enhance surface penetration. In the heel, the lugs’ sharp leading edges provide excellent downhill breaking. Along the binding, lugs are flat and wide for maximum stability. Broad spacing between lugs improves snow release and reduces weight. Lug shape, size and position, and compound choice were all balanced to provide the highest level of durability.

Burton is also introducing the Serow freeride boot, originally designed for Japan’s powder surfers. The Vibram outsole provides superb traction and control to allow for faster and higher hiking.

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 established brands including Danner, La Sportiva, Lowa, Merrell, Montrail, Timberland, Red Wing, Scarpa, Vasque, Wolverine and many more. For further information, visit www.vibram.com