The Vibram Rubber Outsole is widely used in the shoe industry today because of its reputation for durability, comfort, and excellent traction.
This article features the best shoes with Vibram soles and the technology behind them.
The Vibram Rubber Sole and Where it Comes From
Vitale Bramani invented the Vibram Rubber outsole in 1935 after six of his friends passed away tragically while hiking in the Alps.
The Boots his friends wore at the time had soles that did a poor job of insulating their feet and provided minimal traction on slippery,f cold surfaces.
Bramani set out to develop boots with two key advantages;
1. They will have soles from Vulcanized rubber, which insulates better than felt.
2. The traction will be improved due to a lugged tread pattern called the Carrarmato, which means “tank tread.”
Vitale Bramani’s invention of the Vibram sole aimed to improve safety and reliability, helping outdoor enthusiasts feel more secure during their adventures.
Vitale Bramani Founded the Vibram Sole Company, and the sole name combines his first and last name, Vi-Bram.
Benefits of the Vibram Rubber Sole
Today, Vibram offers many more soles in a larger selection of shoe types and brands, all with the assurance of the original design’s consistent quality, durability, and comfort.
There are many outstanding benefits to the Vibram Rubber Sole.
- Resoling – Vibram rubber outsoles will eventually wear out, even if they are extremely durable. When they wear out, your shoes can be re-soled with a new Vibram outsole, readily available to many resellers.
- Durability – Vibram’s unique compounds of blended rubber and other materials used in the sole, such as the EVA midsole, strike a perfect balance between longer-lasting durability and high traction, providing a sense of security during outdoor activities.
- Comfort – The Vibram outsole, with its light and springy EVA-based Rubber, offers cushioning and shock absorbency, ensuring a comfortable experience even during long hikes.
- Traction – The Tread of the Vibram Rubber Outsole has a lugged Carrarmato design aimed at Hiking use. Along with the unique blend of softer rubber and EVA, this ensures the best Traction even on slippery and wet surfaces.
Features of a Good Shoe with Vibram Soles
You will get a variety of different shoe types with Vibram Soles. Most hiking and trail running shoes have Vibram soles; therefore, the materials will likely be tailored to these shoe types.
- Uppers – The uppers can consist of anything from PU-coated leather, synthetic nubuck, Suede Textile, Mesh, Polyester, and Lycra for stretch. Then you also have models with a Gore-Tex waterproof lining and a DryVent membrane to keep the shoe waterproof.
- Insole – For the insole or footbed, you can look at an Ortholite Eco-friendly or OrthoLite X35 Hybrid footbed, which is more refreshing and drier for your feet. Then there is also the Anti-Microbial Drilex Sockliner, which is cushioned and moisture-wicking to prevent odors.
- Midsole – The Vibram Sole offers a Blend of Rubber and EVA in the midsole for its cushioning and durability. However, the Midsole of some shoe models can be reinforced with an additional EVA layer.
- The Vibram outsole options include the TC5+ and XS Trek for balance and traction, and the Megagrip technology in Vibram460 for superior grip on wet and dry surfaces.
- Other Features – Other shoe brands and models I have chosen include a protective Rubber toe cap and a Bellows closed tongue to keep moisture and debris out. Then there is stability technology, including a Cradle heel design that cushions and stabilizes the heel for climbers, a Nylon and ESS midfoot shank, and a Trailguard platform with an exposed TPU shank or an external heel counter.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Closure | Cushioning (as listed) | Outsole | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merrell Moab Vent 2 / Moab 2 Vent (men's) | Hiking Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | EVA | Vibram rubber | Not stated |
| 2 | Vibram KSO / FiveFingers KSO EVO (men's) | Training Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | Not stated | Vibram rubber | Not stated |
| 3 | Merrell TIDERISER Sieve | Water Shoe | Not stated | Not stated | EVA | Vibram rubber | Not stated |
| 4 | Danner 2650 / Trail 2650 Mid (men's) | Hiking Shoe | Suede | Not stated | EVA | Vibram rubber | Yes |
| 5 | ALTRA Olympus 7 Trail | Trail Running Shoe | Not stated | Hook-and-loop | Not stated | Vibram rubber | Not stated |
| 6 | SCARPA Moraine Polar GTX | Hiking Shoe | Nubuck | Not stated | EVA | Rubber | Yes |
| 7 | Merrell Siren Edge 3 | Hiking Shoe | Mesh | Lace-up | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| 8 | Merrell Bare Access Flex | Trail Running Shoe | Mesh | Not stated | EVA | Not stated | Not stated |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Reviews: The Best Shoes with Vibram Soles
We hope you love the products we recommend! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you find the best shoes with Vibram soles for your outdoor adventures.
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Please note that this does not affect the price you pay, and we only recommend products we believe are high quality and offer value to our readers.
1
Supportive Cushioned Hiking Shoe for Trails
The Merrell Moab 2 Vent (men’s) and Moab Vent 2 (women’s) are matching hiking shoes from Merrell, and both are worth a look for shoes with vibram soles.
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper, which helps feet stay comfortable through hikes.
- Traditional lace closure, worth noting if fit is a priority for shoes with vibram soles.
- Bellows tongue keeps out debris.
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support, a useful trait in shoes with vibram soles.
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, which helps keep long stretches of hikes comfortable.
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort.
2
Lightweight Breathable Training Shoe for Gym Workouts
The Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO (men’s) and KSO (women’s) are matching training shoes from Vibram, and both are worth a look for shoes with vibram soles.
- Features an airy polyester mesh upper designed for maximum ventilation, which helps feet stay comfortable through workouts.
- Thin 3 mm rubber outsole for flexibility and a natural, close to ground feel across surfaces, a practical detail for workouts.
- Equipped with the technical XS Trek compound featuring a specialized zig-zag tread pattern, helpful on the surfaces you meet during workouts.
- Features five individual toe pockets.
- Features an easy-to-use speed-lace system and a padded tongue for a secure, adjustable fit, which helps keep long stretches of workouts comfortable.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
3
Water Shoe for Everyday Wear
The Merrell TIDERISER Sieve comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this water shoe is worth a look for shoes with vibram soles.
- Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured EVA insole with water friendly top cover, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for everyday wear.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
4
Cushioned Lightweight Hiking Shoe for Trails
The Danner Trail 2650 Mid (men’s) and 2650 (women’s) are matching hiking shoes from Danner, and both are worth a look for shoes with vibram soles.
- Lightweight, durable suede and textile upper, so the shoe does not feel heavy during hikes.
- GORE-TEX waterproof breathable lining, handy for hikes in changing weather.
- EXO Heel System provides maximum support and comfort with a reinforced external heel counter, the kind of support many people look for in shoes with vibram soles.
- Cushioning open-cell OrthoLite footbed, a useful trait in shoes with vibram soles.
- TRAILGUARD platform with exposed TPU shank offers lightweight, athletic performance.
- Danner PlyoGo lightweight, shock-absorbing EVA midsole.
- Vibram 460 outsole with Megagrip technology offers superior grip on wet and dry surfaces.
5
Trail Running Shoe for Rough Trails
The ALTRA Olympus 7 Trail comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this trail running shoe is worth a look for shoes with vibram soles.
- Vibram Megagrip is a high-performance sticky rubber that offers grip on both wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, and optimal ground adaptability, a practical detail for trail runs.
- With Altra’s signature FootShape Fit, you get the brand’s roomiest toe box with plenty of room to help your toes move more freely, and space through the midfoot, so it is easier to get a secure, comfortable fit for trail runs.
- GaiterTrap, the brand’s unique hook-and-loop tab, allows for easy strapless gaiter attachment without fasteners, bungees, or bindings, worth noting if fit is a priority for shoes with vibram soles.
- Unique Altra EGO MAX midsole foam is designed for a little extra bounce and a plush feel, which helps keep long stretches of trail runs comfortable.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
6
Waterproof Breathable Hiking Shoe for Trails
The SCARPA Moraine Polar GTX comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this hiking shoe is worth a look for shoes with vibram soles.
- Waterproof, breathable protection provides plenty of comfort when it’s snowing, handy for hikes in changing weather.
- Synthetic insulation stays warm even when wet.
- Rugged rubber sole featuring sharp lugs suitable for rocky, icy terrain, helpful on the surfaces you meet during hikes.
- Listing details: waterproof, gore-tex, insulated, for backpacking & hiking.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
7
Breathable Hiking Shoe for Trails
The Merrell Siren Edge 3 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this hiking shoe is worth a look for shoes with vibram soles.
- Traditional lace closure, worth noting if fit is a priority for shoes with vibram soles.
- Bellows tongue keeps out debris.
- Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole for flexible support, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes with vibram soles.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
8
Cushioned Lightweight Trail Running Shoe
The Merrell Bare Access Flex comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this trail running shoe is worth a look for shoes with vibram soles.
- Flexconnect technology for stability, a feature worth weighing when comparing shoes with vibram soles.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes with Vibram Soles
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merrell® - Supportive Cushioned Hiking Shoe for Trails |  |  |
| Merrell |
| 2 | Vibram® - Lightweight Breathable Training Shoe for Gym Workouts |  |  |
| Vibram |
| 3 | Merrell® - Water Shoe for Everyday Wear |  |  |
| Merrell |
| 4 | Danner® - Cushioned Lightweight Hiking Shoe for Trails |  |  |
| Danner |
| 5 | ALTRA® - Trail Running Shoe for Rough Trails |  |  |
| ALTRA |
| 6 | SCARPA® - Waterproof Breathable Hiking Shoe for Trails |  |  |
| SCARPA |
| 7 | Merrell® - Breathable Hiking Shoe for Trails |  |  |
| Merrell |
| 8 | Merrell® - Cushioned Lightweight Trail Running Shoe |  |  |
| Merrell |
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated Merrell Moab Vent 2 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated Vibram KSO to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve Sport to Merrell TIDERISER Sieve
- Oct 2026: Updated Danner 2650 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated Altra Olympus 4 to ALTRA Olympus 7 Trail
- Oct 2026: Updated Scarpa Moraine GTX to SCARPA Moraine Polar GTX
- Oct 2026: Updated Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport to Merrell Siren Edge 3
- Oct 2026: Updated Merrell Zion to Merrell Bare Access Flex
- Oct 2026: Removed The North Face Hedgehog Fast Pack 2, Hoka One SpeedGoat 4, Merrell Terran Post and Vasqua Mantra 2.0 (unavailable)
- Feb 2022: Added Hoka One SpeedGoat 4
- Jun 2021: Added The North Face Hedgehog Fast Pack 2 and Merrell Terran Post
- Sep 2020: Added Altra Olympus 4
- Aug 2020: Added Scarpa Moraine GTX, Merrell All Out Blaze Aero Sport, Vasqua Mantra 2.0 and Merrell Zion
- Apr 2020: First published
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