Vibram, renowned throughout the world for its exceptional products, ranges from fashion to the work and safety sector, among innovations, new perspectives and future goals
Founded in 1937 by visionary mountaineer Vitale Bramani, the prestigious Italian company Vibram has long established itself as a world leader in the production of rubber soles for footwear. With its technological innovations and distinctive design, Vibram has revolutionized the outdoor world by focusing since its inception on the research and development of advanced technological solutions that guarantee maximum performance for every situation. In the increasingly demanding world of Work and Safety, the importance of proper footwear has become central. It is also in this context that Vibram stands out with its innovations. We spoke with Marketing Manager Annalaura Gatto, who explained the innovations of the company, its new products and its goals for the near future.
The world of safety footwear is rapidly changing. How is Vibram responding?
“Until recently, the safety shoe was seen simply as a means to work, as the mere answer to a legal requirement. Today, the needs of the workers have changed; safety footwear is required to be comfortable, safe and high performing, as well as aesthetically pleasing. The activity of Vibram has always been projected towards new challenges and new goals, and its objective, now, is to respond to this change in an energetic and effective way, working on something very specific, which goes in the direction of making footwear and a sole that is more comfortable, as well as performant, constantly improving the distinctive details that have always made our products excel: I am thinking of light weight, comfort and design; all this without, of course, affecting our grip standards. To achieve this goal, Vibram uses a scientific laboratory with the highest technological standards, where an atmosphere of continuous evolution is in the air. Each success is seen as a starting point to improve products and solutions, with the intention of increasing performance a little more each time compared to the standards achieved”.
In October, A+A, the largest and most important work and safety trade fair in the world, was held in Düsseldorf. What innovations were presented by Vibram?
“Over seventy companies using our products were present at the fair, and as for ourselves, we emphasized some technologies that we had already introduced but which we felt the market still needed to fully absorb and embrace. Indeed, the feedback we received at the fair was absolutely positive. I speak, for example, of Traction Lug, an innovative design concept based on the shape of the axle that considerably increases stability and offers exceptional traction on wet and oily surfaces, and of Ecostep Pro, a sustainable rubber compound made from a portion of recycled material, with excellent traction and durability characteristics. We have had very positive feedback for both products. Then we presented two new sole models – very prototypical, they arrived shortly before the fair! – which represent the new approach we are trying to achieve; it is called Sole System. Sole system is an innovative concept that allows us to propose a new package to the client, consisting of a combination of mid-sole and out-sole in a unique solution. In addition to significantly improving performance in terms of lightness, traction, rebound, durability and comfort, this technology allows us to study together with the client the ideal combination of mid-sole and out-sole, depending on their specific needs, and to work accordingly on the EVA and materials, choosing those that best meet the needs of the client. We have until now applied this concept mainly to the Ho.Re.Ca. sector, which is growing and requires, more than other sectors, technologically innovative and comfortable products, but we aim to develop it in other fields as well”.
What development goals are you currently pursuing?
“Right now, we plan to invest a lot more in this area, in terms of innovation, communication, marketing and activities. It is a very receptive area, where we have ample opportunity to distinguish ourselves in terms of innovation, products and technologies. Among our most important projects is the beautiful and innovative polyurethane boot made in collaboration with Spirale, a company that has been producing footwear injected in plastic materials for over forty years. We have also started a collaboration with Atlas Fire & Safety Equipment, with a highly evolved fireproof boot, for which we have created an exclusive technology. The commitment to continuous innovation in Work and Safety remains a priority for Vibram”.
Annalaura Gatto, Vibram Marketing Manager Emea Work & Safety