Vibram® Launches Arctic Grip in Partnership with Wolverine Worldwide

January 7, 2016

Vibram®, the worldwide leader in high performance soles and producer of Vibram FiveFingers® and other premium rubber products, announces the launch of Vibram Arctic Grip™, a state-of-the-art sole technology intent on changing winter footwear. Arctic Grip is the most advanced cold-weather gripping system Vibram has ever created. Six Wolverine Worldwide brands will serve as exclusive Arctic Grip launch partners for 2016: Merrell, Sperry, Hush Puppies, Wolverine, Saucony, Wolverine and Cat Footwear.

“Our intention with Vibram Arctic Grip is to push the bounds of sole technology on icy surfaces,” states Michael Gionfriddo, president and CEO of Vibram USA. “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.”

Wolverine Worldwide’s collection with Vibram Arctic Grip spans a range 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+
• CAT Footwear Stiction HI WP Ice+

All Wolverine Worldwide product with Vibram Arctic Grip will feature designated lugs with Arctic Grip sole technology that grips slick wet ice, as well as thermochromatic lugs, which sense when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and change color in cold conditions. One of the greatest attributes of Vibram’s Arctic Grip 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” explains Blake Krueger, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Wolverine Worldwide. “Vibram Arctic Grip will be a differentiator for us and a key initiative for our brands in Fall 2016.”

Vibram’s fall 2016 Arctic Grip sole technology will be on display at booth #36148 at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, January 7-10, and at booth 314 in hall A3 at ISPO Munich, January 24-27. Please visit either booth location to test Vibram’s newest sole technology, Arctic Grip. 

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 Merrrell, Danner, La Sportiva, Low, 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 WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE:

With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children’s and uniform footwear and apparel.  The Company’s portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Merrell®, Sperry®, Hush Puppies®, Saucony®, Wolverine®, Keds®, Stride Rite®, Sebago®, Chaco®, Bates®, and HYTEST®.  The Company also is the global footwear licensee of the popular brands Cat® and Harley-Davidson®.  The Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in approximately 200 countries and territories.  For additional information, please visit our website, www.wolverineworldwide.com.