VIDEO: Vibram Set To Release Rubber Shoe Soles That Stick to Ice – “Arctic Grip”

According to a recent Vibram Press Release, the worldwide leader in high performance soles has announced the launch of Vibram Arctic Grip™, a state-of-the-art sole technology that is working to change the game when it comes to walking in slippery winter conditions. The Six Wolverine Worldwide brands that will serve as exclusive Arctic Grip launch partners for 2016 are: Merrell, Sperry, Hush Puppies, Wolverine, Saucony, Wolverine and Cat Footwear. The line-up of Vibram Arctic Grip™ footwear is expected to launch in the fall of 2016 and we are very interested to see what they entail.

“Our intention with Vibram Arctic Grip is to push the bounds of sole technology on icy surfaces. It is exciting to share this launch with a partner like Wolverine Worldwide as its rigorous product development aligns closely with Vibram. In Wolverine Worldwide’s Fall 2016 collection, consumers will see Vibram Arctic Grip complemented by some of the most advanced footwear technologies available,” states Michael Gionfriddo, president and CEO of Vibram USA.

The tag line for the Vibram Arctic Grip™ lineup is “Make Ice Obsolete”, so this revolutionary sole technology is supposed to change the game when it comes to holding your grip while walking on slippery surfaces. Wolverine Worldwide’s collection with Vibram Arctic Grip offers a wide variety of shoes from lifestyle to technical, including: Merrell Moab FST Ice+ Thermo Waterproof, Sperry Cold Bay Ice+, Hush Puppies Parkview Ice+, Saucony Razor Ice+, Wolverine Crossbuck FX Ice+, and CAT Footwear Stiction HI WP Ice+. One of the greatest assets that Vibram’s Arctic Grip has to offer is its durability and ability to maintain performance despite miles of wear.

“Our partnership with Vibram allows us to be the first in the industry to bring this innovative technology to market, and allows Vibram to launch its technology across our entire brand portfolio. Vibram Arctic Grip will be a differentiator for us and a key initiative for our brands in Fall 2016,” explains Blake Krueger, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Wolverine Worldwide.

All Wolverine Worldwide product with Vibram Arctic Grip technology will feature designated lugs with Arctic Grip sole technology that grips slick wet ice, as well as thermochromatic lugs, which react to the temperature when it dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and change color in such conditions. Vibram is currently withholding from releasing a lot of information about the Arctic Grip Technology, which is understandable for the market conditions that they are competing in. These shoes aren’t available for pre-order yet, but they will be initially available in many designs. If this revolutionary design is all its hyped up to be, it has the potential to significantly shake up the market.