Vibram® Protects Paws with Sole for Ruff Wear
Vibram, the worldwide leader in high performance soles continues its business diversification strategy with the development of soles for Ruff Wear’s Bark’N Boots™ Grip Trex™ paw wear.
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Vibram® Protects Paws With Sole For Ruff Wear
Company Continues to Diversify with Ruff Wear Dog Booties, Also Serves Core Market with Vasque Multisport Shoes and Columbia Sandals
CONCORD, Mass. (August 10, 2006) – Vibram, the worldwide leader in high performance soles continues its business diversification strategy with the development of soles for Ruff Wear’s Bark’N Boots™ Grip Trex™ paw wear. Simultaneously remaining true to its core customer Vibram also designed soles for Vasque hiking, multisport and casual shoes and Columbia multi-sport sandals.
“Ruff Wear is another example of our success in appealing to a broader, younger market,” explained Tony Post, president Vibram, USA. “On the other hand, we will never lose sight of our legacy with our core customer, the outdoor enthusiast.“
Crafting Canine Shoes A Unique Challenge
The unique challenges Vibram faced in designing the Ruff Wear boot sole was setting aside the understandings of the workings of the human foot and, instead, applying observations of canine anatomy and motion. Next, they tackled the task of developing a sole with optimal lug size, shape, and layout for a dog’s needs.
The result is the Bark’N Boot, designed to prevent injury from foot-damaging terrain, and increase endurance. It features an air mesh upper for comfort and breathability, a leg-hugging grip cuff and a cinch closure strap and lash tab for a secure fit. The Vibram sole offers superior grip and durability and sports an omni-directional X lug for stability and traction. Non-marking, the sole is ideal for nautical and home interior use. It retails for $59.95 and is available in red and blue in XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.
For Columbia’s Titanium Kailua, a multi-sport sandal, Vibram designed an exclusive sole with a sticky rubber compound and twisted triangle lugs, perfect for traction on varied terrain. The synthetic sandal retails for $75 and the leather version sells for $85.
Vasque is incorporating Vibram soles in the Mantra and the Switchback. The Mantra, a multisports shoe ideal for the trail or town is designed with a Vibram®Ananasi sole. The Ananasi features medium tread depth for traction and stability on mixed terrain, and varied uses. The Switchback, a boot designed for strenuous hikes or shorter backpacking trips features the Vibram®Contact sole, made of the versatile Vibram®Trek compound. The lug layout provides stability with loads, and is self-cleaning of mud or snow.
Vasque Mantra
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
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