“It is often said that the most famous shoe soles in the world are made ‘of Vibram,’ as if it were a material. In reality, Vibram is the name of a company. Despite its exotic sound, it is a historic Italian manufacturer based in Varese, taking its name from the acronym of its founder, Vitale Bramani,” notes Chiara Alessi.

Among athletic footwear, the Five Fingers represents the culmination of the legacy started by Vitale Bramani, the founder of the Vibram company—famed for patenting the iconic Carrarmato (tank-tread) sole. Conceived in 2002, the shoe is crafted from vulcanized rubber and elastic fabric. It slips on like a glove, mimicking the natural anatomy of the foot to preserve and enhance its biological function. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese tabi footwear, the shoe features five individually separated toes.

The model in our collection is a size 38 in sleek black. By respecting the foot’s natural mechanics, the shoe amplifies the sensitivity and power of both the foot and the lower leg. This barefoot-style design significantly optimizes grip, thereby maximizing stability, proprioceptive awareness, and the body’s overall sense of balance.

The FiveFingers functions as an exoskeleton built around the foot—rigid yet flexible underfoot, while remaining elastic and soft across the upper.

“In 2007, Time magazine named FiveFingers one of the best inventions of the year in the Health category,” adds Chiara Alessi.