Vibram® Honors Jim Whittaker at American K2 Celebration

August 27, 2018

NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. (August 27, 2018) – Vibram, the worldwide leader in high performance soles and creator of Vibram FiveFingers and other premium rubber products, today announces its support of The Mountaineers 40^th Anniversary Celebration of the American K2 climb. The anniversary takes place the week of September 5-11, 2018 in Seattle, WA, and features a series of events celebrating Jim Whittaker and his expedition team.

“Vibram’s heritage is deeply rooted in mountaineering, going back to its founder, Vitale Bramani,” says Allon Cohne, Chief Marketing Officer for Vibram USA. “Jim’s career and accomplishments are legendary. Vibram has always been proud to support Jim, and we’re excited to celebrate this incredible achievement with him.”

Vibram got its start in 1937, when Vitale Bramani, an Italian alpinist, designed and developed the Carrarmato sole. Since then, the iconic lug design has summited every major mountain around the world including K2, and was on the boots of American climbers on Whittaker’s 1978 expedition. The sole design has since traveled from the highest summits in mountaineering to the fashion world. Today, Vibram rubber soles are found across all major footwear categories; outdoor, athletic, industrial, safety, fashion, lifestyle and action sports.

Vibram will bring its Sole Factor Tour to Seattle to benefit The Mountaineers during the 40^th celebration of the K2 climb. The Sole Factor Tour, a mobile cobbler, partnered last year with REI to raise $20,000 for Big City Mountaineers. The Sole Factor Tour’s arrival in Seattle this September will mark its third trip cross-country, and this summer the tour will raise funds for The Conservation Alliance and American Alpine Club. Vibram has upgraded or resoled nearly 1,000 soles this year, keeping hundreds of shoes in use and out of landfills. Cohne estimates Vibram is on pace to surpass the record 1,400 pairs resoled on the Sole Factor Tour in 2017.

Vibram will charge $25 per resole during the 40^th celebration, and all proceeds will benefit The Mountaineers. Those planning to attend a Sole Factor event should bring an extra pair of shoes and arrive early as capacity is limited. See the most up-to-date Sole Factor schedule for Seattle here:

Thursday, September 6^th:
The Mountaineers Seattle Program Center
7700 Sand Point Way Northeast
Seattle, WA 98115
3pm – 10pm

Friday and Saturday, September 7^th-8^th:
REI Flagship Store
222 Yale Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
11am – 7pm

Sunday, September 9^th:
REI Flagship Store
222 Yale Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
11am – 5pm

About Vibram:

Vibram is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world’s greatest climbers and athletes. Vibram soles have gone on to conquer Mt. Everest, K2 and a host of the world’s tallest peaks. Today, the company works with premium brands including Merrell, Danner, La Sportiva, Lowa, Red Wing, Sperry, Scarpa, The North Face, and many more. Vibram’s Five Finger shoe line is on the cutting-edge of the minimalist footwear trend. Please visit us at www.vibram.com or follow us and our innovative products and services on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest

About The Mountaineers:

The Mountaineers is a non-profit outdoors community located in the Pacific Northwest. The organization’s mission is “to enrich the community by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.” Founded in 1906, The Mountaineers has been helping others enjoy the outdoors for over 100 years. The organization’s core values are Adventure, Advocacy, Community, Education, and Volunteerism.