Vibram revolutionised mountain climbing in the '30s with the creation of their first rubber sole, and have become a market standard. The yellow octogan that identifies the brand has become synonymous with quality, performance, safety, innovation and design. A downside to their success is that Vibram have to work every day to prevent other parties copying the famous logo and cashing in on fake Vibram soles.

Several thousands of pairs of fake soles and heels were seized in China in January. This was followed by an intense period of investigations. The month of March saw the completion of another seizure at the Yuangcheng Factory Soles company in Shaoxing City. This operation also allowed thousands more pairs of fake soles bearing the Vibram trademark to be confiscated. The seizure of moulds believed to be intended for unlawful production of fake Vibram soles was apparently 'particularly satisfying'.

Vibram say they have now secured an important new achievement in the fight against fakes of Chinese origin. This success was secured thanks to effective collaboration with the Chinese authorities, who worked painstakingly hard to counter and put to an end to the illegal activities carried out by Yuangcheng Factory Soles and the Pony Shoes company, which offered the phoney products on the Internet.

“The fight against fakes has always been a strategic objective for the company,” remarked General Manager Mr Adriano Zuccala. “Putting these products on the market would not only have generated illegal profit but above all would have undermined the relationship of trust between the company and consumers who rely on our products to give them a quality guaranteed by over 70 years of experience in the manufacturing of rubber soles for high performance.”

Brands 'powered by Vibram' include: Asolo, Boreal, C.A.M.P, Garmont, Haglofs, Kayland, La Sportiva, Lowa, Marmot, Meindl, Patagonia, Salewa, Scarpa and Vasque.