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