A foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, around a hundred ligaments and 23 muscles — so protecting it and giving it the right support is essential, especially on mountain hikes. The ground we walk on is rarely regular: it can be rocky, muddy, icy, or a combination of different surfaces.
Choosing trekking footwear therefore means weighing several factors. The size must obviously be right: shoes that are too tight or small — or too roomy — cause discomfort and blisters that can stop a walk in its tracks. It's important to opt for footwear that is comfortable and light, but also sturdy and safe.
In this article we focus on one of the fundamental components of trekking footwear: the sole. Soles matter because they provide traction on the ground, support the foot, absorb impacts, assist the natural rolling of the stride and give stability while walking. But not all soles are the same.
How many types of trekking soles exist — and which ones?
A great many. The benchmark company that has specialised in rubber soles for footwear — mountain boots above all — for over 80 years is Vibram®, a byword for top-quality products. Other excellent brands have since specialised in the field, but the brand from Albizzate (Varese) still leads the way.
All Zamberlan® products are fitted with Vibram®-branded soles. Zamberlan® has partnered with Vibram® since 1929 — the year Calzaturificio Zamberlan® Srl was founded — producing mountain and hunting footwear with rubber soles. In many cases, the designs and technical characteristics of the soles used on our boots are the result of exclusive joint development between Zamberlan® and Vibram®, seeking the best solutions for performance, safety and wearer comfort. Zamberlan® is one of the historic companies that, working with Vibram®, has contributed to the technological development of these fundamental components, especially for outdoor use.
As mentioned, many models exist, differing in technical features, design and materials. When it comes to soles for trekking boots and mountain activities, the essential distinction is by the environment and terrain in which they're used.
Vibram® soles for mountaineering boots
The carbon insole. Before moving to the soles themselves: for its mountaineering boots, Zamberlan® developed a special insole with three key characteristics:
- RIGIDITY: carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic is four times stiffer than glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, ensuring reliability and long-term durability.
- LIGHTNESS: the insole has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning the boot's weight is significantly reduced while retaining the necessary stiffness.
- THERMAL INSULATION: the honeycomb grid preserves temperature at the base of the foot, preventing it from cooling.
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® PENIA. An extremely technical sole, fitted to high-altitude expedition and mountaineering boots. Features: deep multi-directional lugs for traction and long life; TPU inserts at toe and heel for automatic crampons; a PU wedge for better cushioning and foot support, with an undercut heel for safe braking; a broad contact area for grip even in extreme conditions; and large drainage channels for a self-cleaning tread. It's usually paired with the Zamberlan® carbon insole, which adds rigidity, lightness and thermal insulation to keep the foot warm at rigid temperatures.
VIBRAM® MULAZ EVO. Maximum reliability on mixed terrain — from rock to mud, from ice to fresh snow. Features: a TPU heel insert for semi-automatic crampon compatibility; a differentiated-density PU wedge that is softer at points of greatest impact and stiffer elsewhere for support; a broad "Climbing Zone" contact area at toe and heel for grip on small footholds; wide self-cleaning channels; large multi-directional lugs for traction, stability and durability; an arch zone designed for adherence on uneven ground; and a pronounced heel for safe braking.
Vibram® soles for approach shoes
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® RAPTOR. A sole conceived for approach shoes, designed to carry you to the base of the via ferrata or the climbing wall. Approach shoes sit halfway between mountain and climbing footwear: a sole with excellent grip on every terrain, and an upper reinforced in the right places to absorb impacts with rock. They're often used as trekking shoes too.
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® TECH APPROACH. Ideal for multiple activities, this approach sole answers every need of those walking in the mountains near rocky areas or irregular trails. Features: a low-density EVA insert for impact absorption at the heel; an internal cushioning EVA wedge with differentiated density and drainage grooves to follow the foot's flex; containment elements in the medial zone and arch support; rubber containment elements at the forefoot; a TPU insert for medial support and correct torsional stability; a Grip Climbing System with a broad toe contact area for excellent traction; multi-directional lugs positioned for the best traction, braking and grip; and a wide anti-slip contact area on the heel.
Vibram® soles for Norwegian-welted footwear
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® NORTRACK. Used on trekking boots with Norwegian welt construction, this technical sole delivers everything needed for outdoor activities such as backpacking and trekking, even with heavy loads. Features: a dual-density PU wedge for better cushioning and impact absorption; a lateral relief channel for greater elasticity and flexibility; a pronounced heel for safe braking; a pronounced front profile for a good stride roll; a broad, rough-finished toe contact area for adherence; multi-directional lugs for traction and braking; wide self-cleaning channels; arch incisions for traction on uneven ground; and a worked rear contact zone to accentuate push-off.
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® NORWALK. A sole for trekking and hiking boots, sharing some traits with the NorTrack but intended for a different use. Features: a dual-density PU wedge for optimal impact absorption; lateral relief geometries for greater overall elasticity; a pronounced front profile for a good stride; a broad, rough toe contact area for grip; multi-directional lugs for exceptional traction; wide self-cleaning channels; and a grooved rear contact zone to accentuate push-off while walking.
Vibram® soles for backpacking boots
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® 3D. For anyone tackling long — even multi-day — hikes with heavy packs, a technical sole that properly supports the load is fundamental. The ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® 3D was developed precisely to guarantee performance and safety. Features: a low-density PU wedge to optimise cushioning; a pronounced rocker profile for a good stride; wide channels for shedding debris and self-cleaning; large, pronounced lugs positioned for maximum traction, stability and durability; and a pronounced heel for safe braking.
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® DARWIN. This sole too is perfect for long walks with heavy loads. The Darwin's design features deep, multi-directional lugs that optimise contact, stride roll and push-off. Features: broad contact areas at toe and heel for extra grip; large self-cleaning channels; deep multi-directional lugs; arch incisions for traction on uneven ground; a pronounced heel for safe braking; and a dual-density PU wedge for optimal cushioning.
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® STAR TREK. An aggressive, high-performing design, developed for trekking footwear dedicated to long mountain hikes on mixed terrain — mud and rock, but also light snow and wet surfaces. Features: a low-density PU wedge for lightness and flexibility; a central TPU insert for maximum stability and torsional rigidity; an EVA heel insert for maximum cushioning; broad contact areas at toe and heel; large self-cleaning channels; deep multi-directional lugs for grip and traction; and a pronounced heel for safe braking.
Vibram® soles for trail hiking shoes
VIBRAM® PILLOW. A versatile sole conceived for light footwear and mixed terrain demanding adaptability and flexibility. Its special design of triangular lugs increases grip even in mud, while the EVA wedge guarantees great lightness and cushioning. The heel zone is rounded and asymmetrical to ease the stride roll, and large self-cleaning channels improve safety.
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® STAR LITE. A sole synonymous with lightness and agility: designed for footwear suited to easy-to-moderate hikes, ideal on mixed trails, including wet or slippery ones. Features: an EVA wedge for exceptional lightness, cushioning and shock absorption; deep multi-directional lugs for unrivalled traction; and a pronounced heel for safe braking.
VIBRAM® CURCUMA. For hikers carrying medium-sized, not-too-heavy packs, trail hiking shoes with this sole are the best choice. Its wide toe guarantees excellent adherence, while the nylon insole acts as a stabiliser. Cushioning is enhanced by the low-density PU wedge, the undercut heel adds security on descents, and the toe cap provides protection and grip.
Vibram® soles for smart hiking shoes
ZAMBERLAN® VIBRAM® FUTURA. A sole perfect for hiking footwear intended for hill walks and easy trails. Its defining feature is the VIBRAM® Megagrip compound, which ensures high performance and excellent hold even on wet surfaces. Megagrip's qualities: excellent hold on dry and wet surfaces, exceptional durability, and an optimal balance between stability and flexibility for adaptation to the terrain. Features: a TPU stabilising insert to keep the heel firmly seated; a high-density EVA insert for greater stability; a low-density EVA wedge for maximum comfort and cushioning; multi-directional lugs for better traction and braking; and large, purpose-positioned lugs for maximum stability.