Vibram Japan Partners with Climber Anon Matsufuji to Boost Sports Climbing

Vibram Japan Expands Its Athlete Network

Vibram Japan, the Japanese arm of the renowned Italian sole manufacturer, has announced a significant partnership with gifted sports climber Anon Matsufuji. Effective February 20, 2026, this sponsorship marks a pivotal moment for Vibram as it's their first official agreement with an athlete in the Olympic sport category.

The company has been supporting outdoor athletes, including trail runners and mountaineers, since 2011, fostering a global community known as the 'TEAM VIBRAM'. With this new contract, they are expanding their outreach into the increasingly popular sport climbing arena, amidst a rise in both participation rates and media interest in this demanding sport.

Anon Matsufuji: A Rising Star in Sports Climbing

Currently in her fourth year at Nihon University, Anon started her journey in climbing at a young age, frequenting climbing gyms from the sixth grade. Her dedication bore fruit in 2019 when she first stepped onto the podium at the Bouldering Youth Championship in Japan. Fast forward to 2023, and she's secured a third-place finish in the World Cup held on home soil.

With her recent victory in the 2023 Asian Championship, where she successfully completed all four routes, and her qualification for the upcoming World Championship, Matsufuji is set to lead the next generation of climbers. Notably skilled in bouldering, she is already being hailed as a candidate for becoming a leading figure in the sport.

High-Performance Sole Technology

Matsufuji is known for utilizing SCARPA climbing shoes with the advanced Vibram XS Grip 2 compound. This sole has been a game changer in sports climbing, widely adopted by numerous champions, demonstrating its exceptional grip and adaptability to varying temperatures. Celebrated for both its rigidity and flexibility, XS Grip 2 provides stability on steep walls, ensuring climbers feel confident and secure—potentially making the difference in competitive performance.

Achievements and Future Prospects

In 2025, Matsufuji made headlines with a third-place finish at the IFSC Climbing World Cup in Innsbruck. Other notable performances include a sixth place at the Bouldering Japan Cup and participation in various World Cup events where she continuously makes her mark. The combination of her robust skills and Vibram's superior technology is expected to enhance not just her performance but also bring more visibility to the sport of climbing.

Connecting with the Community

Vibram Japan is committed to promoting its technology and engaging with the climbing community through various channels, including their official Instagram account. They encourage enthusiasts to follow their journey, featuring the latest in climbing technology and athlete updates.

Established in 1937, Vibram has revolutionized the outdoor industry with innovations such as the Carrarmato sole. Today, they continue to deliver high-quality soles for top footwear brands around the globe, solidifying their reputation as industry leaders.