08.07.2025

Functional materials VIBRAM® Megagrip

Do you wear "vibrams" for hiking? This term has been part of outdoor folklore for decades and has become a synonym for quality hiking footwear, but the Vibram® brand does not produce shoes, but legendary soles that will support you where others fail.

The story of the Vibram brand® begins in the Alps: How lessons from a tragedy led to conquering an eight-thousander

The idea was preceded by an unfortunate tragedy in the Alps, which gave rise to the iconic sole solution called Carrarmato made of vulcanized rubber. VIBRAM® has become an absolute icon of the footwear industry and, literally, with its research and innovations, it created and still has a significant influence on the global footwear business.

In 1935, the Italian mountaineer Vitale Bramani led an expedition to the top of Punta Rasica. Due to a change in the weather, the group suddenly couldn't get to the shelter and the six never returned home. The cause was also inappropriate footwear, which froze on the climbers' feet and stopped serving.

Vitale learned from the tragedy and began to develop a sole in which he replaced the heavy iron nails with durable rubber studs. In 1937, the iconic Vibram Carrarmato sole was created, in which 17 years later Italian mountaineers climbed the dreaded Himalayan mountain: K2. They thus started a new era, when a different specialized type of footwear began to be used for each of the four stages of the ascent.

Vibram soles are still reliable equipment for recreational hikers and seasoned mountaineers from rocky alpine hills to the icy peaks of the Himalayas.

How Vibram® works: The sole is not just "rubber"

Behind the exceptional properties of the Vibram® sole is a combination of two key factors:

Special rubber compound provides an excellent combination of grip, resistance and comfort for outdoor shoes
Thoughtful design: the shape and distribution of the protrusions are not random. Each zone of the sole has its own specific function.

Zones and functions of the Vibram® sole

Grip – specially shaped protrusions increase grip even on wet stones, roots or mud
Traction – obliquely shaped protrusions "bite" into the ground when walking and ensure a better grip on steep or loose terrain
Braking – shaped heel prevents slipping when descending.
Self-cleaning effect – the pattern is designed so that it does not get clogged with mud.
Climbing zone – the front of the sole is smoother and reinforced for precise landings.

Not Vibram like Vibram: Megagrip versus XS Trek Evo

Different activities require different sole properties. Therefore, the Vibram® brand offers several types of rubber compounds adapted to specific conditions. At Northfinder we work with two types:

Vibram® Megagrip is a premium material designed forexcellent grip on various types of surfaces. It offers excellent traction on dry and wet surfaces, on grass or on forest floor. Perfect for hiking, mountain tours, technical ascents or MTB. We recommend it if you are looking for maximum stability, traction and reliability in the field.
Vibram® XS Trek Evo is a top-of-the-line sole that provides an excellent balance between grip and durability. It is more universal and ideal for more versatile use. If you need shoes for outdoor activities, but also for the city or for traveling, you will appreciate its comfort and flexibility.

Why choose hiking boots with Vibram® soles?

Functional outdoor shoes with VIBRAM® soles thanks to the high-quality rubber mixture that has been proven for years, excellent stability. Megagrip offers traction even on a wet surface, when descending, on grass or on a forest floor. It provides sufficient stability even in light climbing sections, thanks to its moderately hard construction. Thanks to the pattern with a depth of 4 mm, you can quickly get rid of mud and dirt. is suitable for various activities and will not be surprised even by more demanding conditions. The shoes are universal, high-quality and you can use them in the forest and in the city.

✔️ Better sole durability – Vibram lasts 3 to 5 seasons of active use, while regular soles often wear out after one or two.

✔️ Lower risk of slipping – soles are tested and certified for slip resistance, including wet and slippery surfaces.

✔️ Resistance to abrasion and damage – the soles have high mechanical resistance.

✔️ Proven in extreme conditions – from tropical rainforests to glaciers to rocky ridges.

✔️ Versatility – an excellent choice for year-round hiking, multi-day treks, challenging mountain terrain and more technical ascents.

Practical comparison: Regular sole, Vibram® Megagrip and Vibram® XS Trek Evo

Feature	Regular sole	Vibram® Megagrip	Vibram® XS Trek Evo
Grip in the rain	Medium	Excellent	Very good
Resistance to abrasion	low	high	high
Weight	lower	slightly higher	similar to normal sole
Lifespan	1–2 seasons	3–5 seasons	2–4 seasons
Flexibility and comfort	basic	stable, firm	very good, adaptable
Suitability for wet terrain	limited	excellent	excellent
Suitability for climbing	unsuitable	suitable	limited
Use in city/indoor	yes	rather no	yes (non-dyeing mixture)
Price	lower	higher, but profitable	medium to higher, very versatile

Northfinder shoes with Vibram® sole

In the Northfinder collection, you can find several shoe models equipped with soles Vibram® Megagrip or Vibram® XS Trek Evo, depending on the type of activity and walking preferences.

Vibram® We use Megagrip in light, multi-sport models Nanda (women's) and Nanga (men's), as well as in low approach shoes Manaslu (women's) and Makalu (Men's).

Vibram® XS Trek Evo can be found in low outdoor models Meru / Meru1 (Men's) and Mana / Mana1 (women's), as well as ankle boots Parvat (men's) and Pangma (women's) – these are hiking shoes for various terrains, from easy trails to more technical routes.