| Vibram Shoes | FiveFingers Minimalist Running Shoes

For over 80 years, Vibram has set the gold standard in outdoor performance soles, born from a deep connection to the mountains and a relentless pursuit of safety and innovation. The brand’s founder, Vitale Bramani, was a Milan-born mountaineer who first tackled mountain peaks at just 14 years old, and pursued his passion to become a mountain guide. 

Bramani, alongside his wife Maria Fasana, opened the first Vibram store in Milan, Italy, in 1928. The shop prided itself on innovating quality mountaineering gear and clothing, and quickly became a hub for the mountaineering community - a place where climbing expeditions could be planned and stories shared among local explorers. Bramani’s devotion to the mountains was nationally recognised when he was awarded the gold medal for mountaineering valour from the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) in 1933, otherwise known as the Italian Alpine Club.

In 1935 tragedy struck when a mountaineering accident in the Italian Alps claimed the lives of six of his colleagues, who succumbed to exposure and frostbite in the unforgiving conditions. The inadequate grip of their boots was identified by Bramani as a likely contributor - posing a serious slipping hazard. The leather soles that were commonly worn by mountaineers at the time - equipped with hobnails or steel cleats for traction - were susceptible to freezing, and ultimately hindered the climbers' ability to reach adequate shelter from the snow storm.

Bramani was determined to find a better solution. His love for the outdoors, combined with a drive to make climbing safer, led to a breakthrough that would forever change alpine footwear and mountaineering shoes. In 1937, he introduced the Carrarmato sole, which translates to “tank tread” in English. This rugged, deeply-lugged rubber outsole with a broad contact area was designed for traction, protection and durability on even the harshest terrain. 

After rigorous testing, in 1937 Bramani wore one of the first Carrarmato sole shoes when climbing the north-west face of Pizzo Badile. This innovation laid the foundation for Vibram’s global reputation as a pioneer in outdoor footwear technology. The Carrarmato sole was the sole of choice for an Italian climbing team as they reached the summit of the second tallest mountain on the planet, K2, in 1954 - cementing Vibram in history as mountaineering gear and footwear experts. 

From those alpine roots, Vibram has expanded its reach to support a wide spectrum of outdoor disciplines with adventure-ready footwear - from Vibram running shoes and Vibram hiking shoes to Vibram water sports shoes and Vibram training shoes. The instantly recognisable yellow octagon on the outsole has become a symbol of quality and reliability for professional outdoor athletes and everyday adventurers alike. The combination of lightweight and durable vulcanised rubber, high-traction hexagonal lugs and strategic flexibility have made Vibram shoes earn their place among the best outdoor footwear.

Innovation has been a cornerstone of Vibram’s journey. The brand embodies a progressive ethos, captured in Bramani’s own words: “Never dwell on old ideas.” In the 1990s, Vibram launched Ecostep, one of the industry’s earliest examples of eco-conscious design - incorporating 30% recycled rubber into its soles without sacrificing performance. This devotion to sustainability continues today, as Vibram seeks to balance environmental responsibility with product excellence and business growth.

In 1999, the brand took its testing to new heights with the creation of the Vibram Tester Team - a group of elite outdoor professionals who put Vibram soles through their paces in real-world, extreme conditions. The result is products that are science-driven, athlete-approved, and relentlessly refined.

2006 was game-changing for Vibram enthusiasts with the global launch of the Vibram FiveFingers shoe, designed with a collaboration of passionate barefoot runner Robert Fliri and Vitale Bramani's grandson, Marco Bramani. Originally developed with the needs of yacht racing, sailing and sea kayaking in mind - this revolutionary foot glove aspired to combine slip-free traction with a barefoot feel and enhanced protection. 

The potential benefits of five-fingered barefoot shoes for runners also became clear when endurance athlete Ted McDonald, known as 'Barefoot Ted' raised awareness of Vibram shoes by wearing them during his 2006 Boston Marathon feat. The popularity of barefoot shoes gained momentum when his adventures wearing Vibram FiveFingers while running with the Tarahumara Indians - indigenous long-distance runners of northern Mexico -  were explored in the 2009 best-selling book Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. 

Designed to work in harmony with natural human movement, these toe shoes with thin soles redefined minimalism - empowering athletes to reconnect with the earth beneath their feet through proprioception and unrestricted mobility. With each toe able to engage independently for natural stabilisation, improved ground feedback and gecko-like grip, Vibram FiveFingers barefoot shoes unlocked a new way for hikers, walkers, runners and explorers to experience nature - foot first. 

Through it all, Vibram remains true to its DNA: a profound respect for nature, community and the relentless drive to improve. Whether you’re navigating challenging trails, weightlifting at the gym, running towards a personal best or weaving through city streets, Vibram minimalist shoes are made for “adventurous moments”, engineered to go wherever your feet take you.

At Wildfire Sports & Trek, we’re proud to stock Vibram women’s shoes and Vibram men’s shoes - barefoot footwear built for explorers, born from mountains, and trusted in the wild.