Soles

[Walker22]

Recently purchased a pair of altberg boots which are excellent apart from one minor problem I find the vibram soles slippy when walking over wet rock.
For a number of years I used Merrill walking shoes which also have a vibram sole but they had a much better grip in such conditions which I put down to the pattern on the vibram sole.
Be interested to hear any comments on the above.

Thanks

 

[Muddypaws]

Different Vibram soles use different rubber compounds. A softer compound (like the Merrells) will grip better on wet rock, but the trade off is that it will wear out much faster. I guess Altberg choose to compromise supreme grip in favour of a longer lasting sole. I know boots can be re-soled, but it is not cheap, and a bit of bother to send them away for a couple of weeks, so I guess most people are moderately happy with this compromise.

Although I have never had a pair, I have heard good things said about Salomon boots and their wet rock gripping abilities.

 

[Walker22]

Thanks,
Was not aware they had different rubber compounds.

NB: Apologies for posting in wrong section of the forum

 

[Rabid]

Hi Walker22 have you thought about talking to Altberg it will be something thay will have encountered before and they have always been very approachable in the past.