When Vibram founder Vitale Bramani invented the first rubber soles for mountaineering boots in 1935, it was the beginning of a revolution. Now 75 years later, Vibram is still known around the world as the undisputed leader in soling technology for a wide range of quality performance footwear. Today, Vibram manufactures more than 34 million soles annually for more than 1,000 premium footwear brands worldwide.

FiveFingers is the latest example of our relentless commitment to research and product innovation at Vibram. Industrial Designer Robert Fliri first proposed the idea of FiveFingers footwear to Marco Bramani, grandson of Vibram founder Vitale Bramani, who immediately embraced the concept.

Bramani and Fliri developed the first shoes, then showed the concept to Vibram USA president & CEO Tony Post.   As a former collegiate runner, Post quickly became a firm believer in the benefits of natural running and fitness training.  He discovered that Vibram FiveFingers was the unique solution to the knee pain and soreness he was experiencing during running.  Soon, they collaborated with the full Vibram team to position Vibram FiveFingers as a performance product for running, fitness, and outdoor sports.  FiveFingers not only encouraged a more natural forefoot strike during running, they allowed the foot to move and work in a completely natural way, while providing grip and protection over a variety of surfaces.

And while we do love our Vibram FiveFingers, we don’t believe it is the only footwear you will ever need.  There are many times when you need the protection and security of a shoe or boot.  Like all things in life, there is a balance, and Vibram FiveFingers provide a healthy alternative to traditional footwear.  Wearing FiveFingers for fitness training, running, trekking, or just for fun, will make your feet stronger and healthier – naturally.  The folks at TIME magazine thought so too, and that’s why they named Vibram FiveFingers one of the best inventions in the category of health.