Vibram Introduces New Sticky Rubber for Wet Surfaces

Another in a long list of outsole innovations, the latest technology from Vibram allows you to walk on wet, icy surfaces with ease.

Vibram, which nearly every outdoor consumer worldwide knows as a leader in high-performance soles (due to their signature yellow polygon on the bottom of so many footwear brands) is introducing a new technology this Fall called Vibram Arctic Grip.  The brand claims this innovation greatly improves the sole’s stickiness on wet, icy surfaces.

We tested the new tech at the Winter Outdoor Retailer trade show earlier this year, and were able to climb a slab of wet granite like Spider Man. Well, not exactly, but Vibram is calling Arctic Grip “the most advanced cold-weather gripping system it has ever created.” The ingredient brand says the new outsole technology improves longevity through enhanced durability. Footwear with Arctic Grip will feature visually designated lugs, as well as thermochromatic lugs to sense temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and change color. 

Arctic Grip is considered a rubber compound that Vibram incorporates into the construction of its soles.  Depending on the style of shoe and its application, they will incorporate the appropriate compound into the rubber of the sole and design the lugs for that sport (hiking, running, trail running, mountaineering, ice walking, military, industrial, casual, etc). Six Wolverine Worldwide brands will serve as exclusive Arctic Grip partners as part of the initial launch of the technology this year: Merrell, Sperry, Hush Puppies, Wolverine, Saucony and Cat Footwear.

Arctic Grip falls under the IceTrek performance grip compounds umbrella.  Bear in mind that it is specifically designed for wet ice, while other compounds Vibram has developed are better suited for dry ice (ala IceTrek) or the recently-introduced MegaGrip for wet and dry surfaces.