People are becoming very health conscious and want to look after themselves mentally and physically. Suffering from painful bunions myself, I realised the hard way how important good shoes are for your overall health.
I am very happy when a functional shoe makes it to the fashion circle and the first row of New York and London Fashion Week. The biggest star of the 2024 fashion week was the Vibram FiveFingers shoe.Â
Let’s examine why Vibram FiveFingers shoes became popular with athletes, mountain climbers and metropolitan fashionistas.
History of the Vibram brand and how it made it to the fashion world
Vibram is an Italian shoe brand recognised for its innovative rubber soles, particularly in the outdoor and mountaineering footwear industry. The company was founded by Vitale Bramani in 1937 after a mountaineering accident, which Bramani blamed on his footwear. He developed a revolutionary rubber lug sole called the “Carrarmato,” which improved safety by providing excellent grip and durability on challenging terrains.Â
This sole became the standard in mountaineering boots and established Vibram as a leading name in the outdoor shoe industry.
Key Factors Behind Vibram Brands Popularity:
- Innovative Soles: Vibram’s soles are designed for superior traction, durability, and comfort. They have been used by many outdoor brands, enhancing the performance of hiking boots, climbing shoes, and trail running footwear.
- Versatility and Collaboration: Vibram soles are used by various footwear brands across different styles, from heavy-duty mountaineering boots to casual sneakers and even fashion-forward designs. Brands like The North Face, Timberland, New Balance, Salomon, and Hoka all use and collaborate with Vibram. This versatility has helped Vibram penetrate multiple markets, from functional shoes to fashion statements.Â
- Introduction of FiveFingers: In 2006, Vibram launched the FiveFingers shoes, which mimic the shape of the foot with individual toe pockets. This minimalist footwear was designed to promote a more natural walking or running experience. Though initially targeted at the fitness community, these shoes gained attention in fashion due to their unique design.
- Sustainability and Innovation: Vibram has been at the forefront of exploring sustainable materials and production methods. Their commitment to innovation is very appealing to environmentally conscious.
- Adoption by Fashion Brands: Over the years, high-end fashion designers and brands like Balenciaga, Gucci, Rick Owens, and more boutique high-fashion brands like Suicoke, Ottolinger and Kiko Kostadinof have incorporated Vibram soles into their shoe collections. Combining high-performance technology with luxury aesthetics created a crossover appeal, making Vibram a recognizable name in the outdoor and fashion industries.
6. In the wellness era, consumers are focusing on their health, and shoes are one fashion statement that can help posture and overall well-being.Â
7. Streetwear and Lifestyle Influence: The rise of streetwear culture and gorpcore has also contributed to Vibram’s popularity. Brands that blend fashion with function often use Vibram soles to give their footwear an authentic look and feel. This fusion of performance and style appeals to people looking for practical yet fashionable and unique footwear.
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If you want to follow this shoe fashion trend or are curious about FiveFingers design, here are the top models you should look for:
For summer barefoot feel:
Vibram Women’s FiveFingers V-Soul Training Shoe
Price: $99.95
Perfect for many activities, the V-Soul from Vibram helps your feet remain cool and dry. A velcro fastening system delivers a secure fit, while the XS TREK outsole provides optimum grip and traction.
Vibram Women’s Vi-B Ballet Flat
Price: $94.95
Vibram Women’s Alitza Loop
For a minimalist experience & look
Vibram FiveFingers EL-X Knit
Vibram FiveFingers Classic Eco
Wear Vibram FiveFingers® Classic Eco footwear with a textile upper to enjoy greater stability and traction.Â
Vibram® midsole technology for an optimal balance of traction and durability on varied terrains.
Vibram FiveFingers KSO ECO Women’s Shoes – AW24
Vibram FiveFingers KSO ECO Women’s Shoes are super comfortable, everyday shoes that redefine Vibram FiveFingers’ core minimalist philosophy through their eco-conscious construction.
Vibram FiveFingers Classic Eco
For a Splash of colour or texture
VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS V – TREK Sneakers
Vibram FiveFingers V-Aqua Women’s Outdoor Shoes – AW24
Price: $133.99
This outdoor shoe allows for natural movement in and out of the water across various terrains. A light, thin and flexible tool for the feet, the V-Aqua is best for those situations when going fully barefoot isn’t an option.
It is funny how even a few months ago, I found my Vivo Barefoot PRIMUS LITE KNIT shoes weird and ugly. I would not imagine wearing shoes with all toes separated. Now, I love how my barefoot shoes make me feel, and I also do not mind the look of the wide-toe box. I need a pair of Vibram FiveFigers shoes in my collection.
If you love Vibram FiveFingers shoes but dislike wearing them barefoot, you can check out some cool toe socks for specific needs.  If you are not ready for Vibram FiveFingers shoes and would like to test barefoot shoes first, read What Are Barefoot Shoes, And Are They Good For You?
and I Wore VivoBarefoot Shoes For 2 Months; Here Is My Honest Review.
Silvija Meilunaite PN1-NC, is a certified nutrition coach and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field with a passion for exploring science-based knowledge focusing on holistic health and plant-based nutrition.
Featured in the Wellness on Time magazine.
