Vibram’s Carrarmato Sole Reaches 80

Vibram is partnering with Danner, Eddie Bauer and Chippewa to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of its iconic Carrarmato sole.

Writer: Thomas J. Ryan

The Carrarmato dates back to Vibram’s founder, Vitale Bramani. In 1935, when a climbing accident involving six of Bramani’s mountaineering friends in the Italian Alps was partially blamed on inadequate footwear, the incident drove Bramani to develop a new climbing sole. Two years later, he launched the first vulcanized rubber lug soles on the market with a tread design called the Carrarmato, which translates in English to “tank tread.” Initially developed in partnership with Pirelli Tires, the Carrarmato was the first sole ever created with rubber lug soles.

Today, the Carrarmato sole is one of the most requested and recognized soles in the world.

“The fact that this sole has withstood the test of time and spanned generations of style proves the flexibility of its design,” said Paolo Manuzzi, global general manager of Vibram. “It’s clearly maintained its relevance in the marketplace, inspired many designers and has served as a benchmark of the highest level of quality, performance and safety.”

Vibram’s Carrarmato sole design offered innovation from the beginning:

A large contact area for grip on rock
Multiple hexagonal lugs for sensitivity and grip
Mud clearing channels for safety on heavy ground
Strong and undercut heel for downhill braking performance
Engraved shank for better grip on uneven ground

In 1954 the first successful ascent of K2 was conquered by an Italian Expedition with Vibram Rubber Soles. The soles now transcend from technical mountain boots to mainstream footwear fashion.

Vibram’s 2017 Carrarmato sole is being incorporated by the following brands: Banana Republic, Chippewa, Danner, Eastland, Eddie Bauer, FRYE, Nick’s Boots, OTZ, Red Wing, Samuel Hubbard, Timberland, Trask, VFC and Woolrich.

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Carrarmato sole, Vibram is selling Carrarmato products at its experiential Vibram store on Newbury St. in Boston. Additionally, Danner, Eddie Bauer and the Chippewa brands will be participating in an online Carrarmato anniversary special with limited-edition Carrarmato-soled collections for sale at Vibram.com. Lastly, Vibram’s Sole Factor program and Footwear Customization Lab, an initiative designed to allow one to upgrade your current shoe with a new Vibram sole, will be offering several unique Carrarmato designs for 2017.