Vibram's IdroGrip Changes the Way You Move Under Slick Conditions

Vibram®, the worldwide leader in high performance soles continues with its success in the new reference for grip in a moldable rubber compound.In field testing IdroGrip was noticeably stickier than the competition on wet and dry rock and matted grass. Vibram’s IdroGrip will be brought to market again in new products with leading outdoor brands including Chaco, Cloudveil, Shimano, and Simms.

“All of our testers observed how easy and safe it was to walk, and even run, on wet rock surfaces,” explained Lawrence Anastasi, sales and marketing manager, Vibram, USA.“IdroGrip provides a clear advantage in sports such as river rafting, mountain biking, and fishing, where grip is key to performance and safety.”

Designed for use in treads with large contact surfaces, IdroGrip provides the ultimate control in both extreme high and low temperatures, over terrain burning under the sun or covered with snow.

One of the most versatile compounds to date, IdroGrip can be used in a wide variety of sports including hiking, canyoneering, and snowboarding. It also enables cyclists (BMX flat, downhill, duel or fourcross) to stay secure on their bikes, preserving energy at each turn of the pedals in spite of the dirt and grit.

Utilizing the reliable method of equipping field testers with left and right shoes fitted with competitive compounds, Idrogrip proved to be perceivably stickier on wet rock and matted grass. And its performance on dry rock was no less impressive, making it also ideal for approach, light bouldering, and freeride and downhill mountain biking.

Chaco’s new PRO Series sandals feature a PRO outsole with Vibram IdroGrip for unmatched durability and in-water performance.According to Chaco ‘‘the stickiest rubber on the planet‘‘ holds on wet rocks, root filled trails and steep climbs.

Together with the sole, a Chaco BioCentric footbed make these the go-to sandal for professional river guides. The line includes the Z/1™ PRO with a single buckle and easily adjustable pull-through straps; the Z/2™ PRO with a wrap-around toe loop that keep s feet locked in ; the Hipthong PRO a super functional adjustable flip ; and the Flip PRO, a full-on performance flip.

Cloudveil also worked with Vibram to incorporate the Vibram Link sole with IdroGrip for their Snake River IdroGrip Wading Boot in the angling collection.The result is a boot with superb traction in wet conditions. Other features include a synthetic leather and poly mesh upper for abrasion resistance, stability, and minimal water retention, a dual density EVA midsole, a rubber toe cap and a gusseted tongue to keep out grit and debris.

‘‘The Vibram® IdroGrip compound used in this boot produces the best stability and grip of any rubber soled boot, regardless of the conditions,’’ explained Landon Mayer, flyfishing expertand prolific writer on the subject.‘‘This breakthrough compound and innovative tread design allows me to move about with confidence and stability in even the slickest conditions.‘‘

IdroGrip provides super traction on Shimano’s all mountain cycling shoe as well.The AM40 sports an armored lace shield and side panels for extra protection for more aggressive driving.Ideal for trailriding and downhill use, the shoe provides mid-top ankle protection and a modular insole system for for customer sole stiffness fitting.

Simms’ new StreamTread line features the exclusive Simms 80 rubber compound from Vibram.Simms 80 ensures durability, penetrates aquatic vegetation such as moss and provides an increased sense of feel of the terrain underfoot. The multi-level sole pattern helps anglers wade securely on grassy and slick stream beds thanks to the patented 360 Degree Vibram lug. The 360 lug has been field-proven from military boots to hunting boots and was a natural extension into the fishing market for this line of Simms boots. The outsole will be featured on six Simms wading boots: G4™, Guide™, Rivershed™, Women’s boot, Freestone® and Headwaters™.Additionally, the boots are part of Simms CleanStream™ initiative, a program designed to top the spread of invasive species by replacing felt with rubber soles.

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. Vibram FiveFingers was named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2007. For further information, visit www.vibram.com or www.vibramfivefingers.com.

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