Vibram Sole of Choice in New Line Launches

Vibram®, the worldwide leader in high performance footwear soles, is being tapped by major footwear manufacturers to design soles for new markets. Timberland will use Vibram’s earth-friendly Ecostepâ„¢ sole on its new casual biking shoe and New Balance will feature a Vibram sole on its first-ever water shoe. In addition, Vibram soles are an integral part of Spring 08 new products by Sperry, The North Face and Vasque.

“The greatest complement we can receive from a customer is a request to be part of a new venture.” It’s proof that we are delivering on our promise to design the most innovative, high performing product on the market.” Tony Post, president of Vibram USA

Green Cycling
Vibram’s environmentally-friendly EcoStep sole is featured on Timberland’s Steerfree, a casual bike shoe that is part of the new Bike Life line. A ”pedal pod” on the sole is made of Vibram Trek compound, which provides durability for contact with the bike pedal. Other features include reflectivity in the sole for safety against traffic and a forefoot engineered to flex while running and remain stiff while pedaling for more power.

Gives Watersports Shoes A Grip
For New Balance’s first water performance shoe Vibram designed an outsole with a water specific rubber compound and razor siping for maximum ground contact, grip, and multi-directional traction in wet conditions. New Balance’s 920 features a full length drainage system complete with the innovative H2FlowT technology, through which small ports between the midsole and upper allow both water a to quickly drain from the shoe for a more comfortable fit.
An exclusive Vibram outsole is also part of Timberland’s Turbulent watersports shoe. The sole is designed with a rubber perimeter for durability and siped rubber center pods for reduced weight and traction on wet surfaces. A hydrophobic synthetic and mesh upper dries quickly and a stretchable sock-like entry with a BOA lacing system allows for easy entry and a dialed-in fit.

The Sperry Top-Sider Gold Driver is the latest addition to the Sperry Top-Sider Gold Cup Collection. The two-part Vibram outsole provides lightweight flexibility, nautical details, and the sole’s TC4+ water compound ensures superior grip and traction. Other details include 18 kt. gold-plated eyelets, deerskin lining and a triple-density footbed with memory foam.

Takes a Hike with TNF and Vasque
A Vibram sole is featured in The North Face’s Dhaulagiri GTX, a lightweight, waterproof, breathable backpacking boot with X-Frameâ„¢ ankle support plus Heal Cradleâ„¢ technology for load-hauling exploration. TNF’s Vindicator Mid GTX, a waterproof and lightweight mid-hiker and an ideal choice for relentless multi-day jaunts also sports an exclusive Vibram sole. The sole in both shoes provides excellent traction over varied terrain.

Vasque is including a Vibram outsole on its new Chinook GTX, built for the value-minded hiker who demands the best components, like a Gore-Tex membrane. Its next-generation Zephy is a modern boot for the serious hiker and backpacker, also featuring an exclusive Vibram sole.

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 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 or www.vibramfivefingers.com.


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