Elite Project

We belong to the outdoors, and we are driven by the desire to experience it at the fullest.
This is why the Elite project was born: working with four of the world’s best athletes to develop the ultimate soles in four different disciplines: trail running with Gediminas Grinius, mountaineering with Hervé Barmasse, approaching with Barbara Zangerl and snowboarding with Michael Mawn.
The result merges Vibram’s best in class technologies with their on-field experience to provide the highest performances, without compromises.
The Elite project is part of the Vibram SoleSystem: an optimized all-in-one midsole and outsole solution, engineered to excel in every sport and activity.
The outstanding performance of our soles technologies and compounds are combined with various types of midsoles with different characteristics and properties, to make you experience the great outdoors with confidence in every step.
Snowboarding with Michael Mawn.
A proper freeride day has just one rule: earn your turns. With this easy yet complex concept in mind we went out on the mountain with the talented Michael Mawn, studying all the different conditions you may face when ascending to the top, aiming for the perfect line. With this experience clear in mind, together with Michael we developed an Elite sole to make you earn the best turns on the freshest powder.

Technology Used By Elite Project

Arctic Grip All Terrain

Traction lug

Approach with Barbara Zangerl
Sometimes you have to conquer the climbing spot with a long and challenging approach. No one knows it better than Barbara Zangerl, climber extraordinaire. We spent many hours listening to her fascinating adventures, which started way before putting the climbing shoes on. By discussing with her we learnt how approach is key part in climbing and we have been able to develop an Elite sole that allows you to get to the face with confidence in every step.

Technology Used By Elite Project

Traction lug

Mountaineering with Hervé Barmasse.
Born and raised at the base of the Matternhorn, Hervé Barmasse started climbing at a very young age and never stopped, growing an unparalleled passion and knowledge of the high mountain environment. His capability of read and respect the mountain led us to develop an Elite sole for any kind mountain experience.

Technology Used By Elite Project

Traction lug

Trail Running with Gediminas Grinius.
When it comes to trail running, Gediminas Grinius can master it all. From the Western State fast gravel roads to the technical descents of the UTMB Mont Blanc, Gedi has an immense experience of a wide variety of surfaces and conditions, and his help has been crucial to develop the ultimate trail running Elite sole.

Technology Used By Elite Project

Traction lug

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