Product news: For 80 years, the yellow octagon has stood for quality, performance, Safety and innovation in the shoe industry. With international headquarters in Albizzate, Italy, Vibram® produces more than 40 million soles annually and covers more than a million kilometers of testing. For the summer of 2019, Vibram® presents a new technology - "Litebase". A technology that drastically reduces the weight of the soles of outdoor and sports shoes. We spoke to one of the Vibram® test team managers.
Since the first Vibram® rubber sole for mountain sports, the company has become a benchmark in the shoe market. The company, whose brand name is made up of the first and last name of the inventor (Vitale Bramani), has been one of the driving innovators in the highly competitive shoe market for many years. The introduction of Vibram FiveFingers® in 2006 marked a major turning point for the company. With this product segment, Vibram® succeeded in getting closer to the end customer and in consolidating its leading position in the global markets.
I spoke to Giordano DeVecchi, a Vibram® Test Team Manager, who answered a few questions I had about Vibram soles.
How are the properties of a Vibram® sole achieved?
The properties are achieved through an optimal combination of connection and design. Depending on the type of pedal (flats or clicks), we develop and combine different mixtures. Different compounds are considered for flat pedal soles to allow an optimal connection between the pedal and the pins. For clipless pedals, a convenient design for easy clipping in and out and secure positioning is considered.
Why are different rubber compounds chosen?
We use different types of rubber to emphasize grip, comfort and durability. Vibram® Idrogrip has excellent grip on flat pedals and is paired with Vibram® Megagrip to optimize durability for hiking and biking. Vibram® Megagrip is the best choice for clipless shoes. They have a long durability and offer good grip in the mountains.
Vibram® Litebase technology
With "Litebase", Vibram® presents a technology for 2019 that reduces the weight of the soles of outdoor and sports shoes - while maintaining the same level of performance and durability. "Litebase" allows the market leader to reduce the rubber thickness at the base of the outsole. The soles weigh up to 30 percent less than with a conventional structure.
Weight plays a major role in endurance sports and outdoor activities. This is an important factor for saving energy, especially when it comes to shoes. Since the outsole is the heaviest part of the shoe and rubber has a very high specific weight, savings here are particularly important. With the "Litebase" sole, the profile with its studs remains unchanged so that the service life is maintained. The technology hides where the sole has no contact with the ground, namely at the base. This is where the outsole is glued to the midsole.
Up until now, a conventional rubber sole has been at least 1,7 millimeters thick, otherwise there is a risk that the profile lugs will tear out due to shearing forces. With the "Litebase" technology, Vibram® vulcanizes a pre-rubberized fabric into the outsole in a single process. This ensures that the profile lugs remain firmly anchored in the sole. The "Litebase" sole can therefore be built much thinner at the base. Instead of 1,7 millimeters, it measures depending on the sole type - only 0,5 to 0,9 millimeters thick. Soles with "Litebase" are just as abrasion-resistant, durable and have a good grip as traditional Vibram® soles - but weigh up to 30 percent less.
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