Vibram Strat-X: A New Frontier of Shoe Customization
by Adriano Batista
Vibram has unveiled its latest revolutionary concept at the 105th edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo. It’s called Vibram Strat-X, and it is an innovation that combines technology and design to create an unprecedented level of customization for the upper part of the shoes.
Vibram Strat-X is an innovative material that consists of a thin sheet of rubber that can be molded into various shapes and designs through an advanced molding process. This allows the creation of technical or fashion uppers and/or covers in a single step, while maintaining the high quality of Vibram rubber. The rubber sheets come in different finishes and thicknesses, and they offer a wide range of benefits: resistance, lightness, strength, elasticity, impermeability and versatility. Vibram Strat-X is adaptable to various applications, from sports to casual wear.
The brand has showcased two finished products made with Vibram Strat-X at Pitti: LB214 and Luxury Rubber Boot. Both products are examples of how Vibram Strat-X can generate two different types of construction for the shoes, and both are now available for purchase in Vibram’s e-commerce.
LB214 is a hybrid shoe with a futuristic design, meticulously crafted through a 5-stage production process, from sole to upper. The upper is made with Vibram Strat-X, which acts as a protective layer that offers waterproofing and protection. The sole incorporates Vibram’s cutting-edge Litebase technology, which reduces 30% of the total sole weight through a 50% reduction in tread depth, while maintaining Vibram quality in terms of grip, traction and durability. The sole also features Vibram’s Megagrip compound, which offers unmatched grip properties on dry and wet terrain. The shoe has a single rubber body, dyed entirely black, with a yellow logo accent behind the heel.
Luxury Rubber Boot is a boot that combines quality and comfort, creating a unique and original look for all occasions. The sole is made of durable rubber, equipped with Vibram Arctic Grip technology, which provides superior grip on frosty surfaces, especially on wet ice. The upper is made with Vibram Strat-X, which is characterized by being a light and comfortable material, as soft as leather, but maintaining the high-quality performance level of Vibram rubber. The boot has a blue color, with a Vibram logo on the side.
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