Vibram Japan Announces Athlete Partnership with Sport Climber Mao Nakamura

Photo of Mao Nakamura (Photo courtesy: Urban Base Camp Shinbashi)

Vibram Japan Co., Ltd., the Japanese subsidiary of the Italian sole manufacturer known for producing and distributing high-performance rubber soles (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; General Manager: Kevin Stenberg, hereinafter “Vibram”), announces the signing of an athlete partnership with sport climber Mao Nakamura (Nakamura Mao), effective June 1, 2026.

Since 2011, Vibram has supported athletes across diverse outdoor disciplines—including trail running, mountaineering, and climbing—through its headquarters and global branches, building a global athlete community known as "TEAM VIBRAM." This partnership marks a further expansion of that initiative, making Nakamura the second Japanese climber to join TEAM VIBRAM as a sponsored athlete.

Following the signing, Nakamura will represent TEAM VIBRAM at the "World Climbing Series Innsbruck 2026," to be held from June 17 to 21, 2026, in Innsbruck, Austria. This international event gathers the world’s top climbers and is one of the official events in the 2026 World Climbing Series, for which Vibram serves as an official partner. On-site, Vibram will offer resoling services and other support to enhance athlete performance and advance the competitive environment. As a TEAM VIBRAM athlete, Nakamura will take on this world-class stage.

Photo of Mao Nakamura (Photo courtesy: Urban Base Camp Shinbashi)

About the Sole (Shoes) Worn by Nakamura

The climbing shoes worn by Nakamura, the TENAYA Oasi, are equipped with Vibram’s high-performance compound, Vibram XS GRIP. This compound has a proven track record, having been used by numerous champions in sport climbing competitions, and is highly regarded by elite athletes worldwide. Known for its exceptional grip, the sole maintains stable performance across varying conditions due to its resistance to temperature fluctuations. Its optimal balance of hardness and flexibility also ensures stability on steep walls, delivering the high level of confidence needed to win at the highest level of competition.

Comment from Nakamura

"I am truly delighted to have entered an athlete partnership with Vibram, a brand I’ve naturally encountered throughout my life since elementary school. The greatest appeal of Vibram is undoubtedly the outstanding grip of its rubber. As I am not particularly tall, I require more precise footwork than other climbers. I’ve tested various rubber soles, but Vibram’s soles have consistently felt the least slippery and most secure underfoot. Moving forward, I aim to challenge not only indoor climbing but also outdoor climbing and mountaineering, sharing the appeal of climbing from diverse perspectives."

Profile of Mao Nakamura

Nakamura began climbing in the 6th grade after visiting a bouldering gym with her parents. She became passionate about the sport and started competing in local events. She began seriously dedicating herself to competitive climbing from her first year of high school.

At the time, Akiyo Noguchi, a top Japanese climber, was seeking a partner for the National Sports Festival, and Nakamura’s name was recommended. She competed in the Tokyo representative selection event and secured her spot as Tokyo’s representative in 2018.

In May the following year, she competed in the All Japan Youth Climbing Championship held in Tottori. Then-unknown nationwide, Nakamura achieved a remarkable victory, gaining widespread recognition.

After experiencing a difficult period, she won her first Japan Cup title in 2024, competing with retirement in mind. This victory marked her return to the national team after three years and placed her third in the annual overall ranking. In 2025, she achieved her long-awaited first World Cup victory at the third event, finishing the season ranked second overall—a breakthrough year.

Competition Achievements

2025

IFSC Climbing World Cup Salt Lake City (Boulder) – Champion

IFSC Climbing World Cup Annual Overall Ranking (Boulder) – 2nd

Boulder Japan Cup 2025 – 3rd

2024

Boulder Japan Cup 2024 – Champion

IFSC Climbing World Cup Innsbruck (Boulder) – 4th

IFSC Asian Championships (Boulder) – 4th

2019

Youth Bouldering Japanese Championship Tottori – Champion

IFSC Climbing World Cup Bouldering Vail – 6th

2018

Asian Youth Championships (Boulder) – Champion

IFSC World Youth Championships (Boulder) – 4th

Mao Nakamura Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mao___nakamura/

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Vibram

A brand offering high-performance rubber soles for sports, outdoor, leisure, safety, dress, and casual footwear. Founded in northern Italy in 1937, Vibram revolutionized the outdoor industry with the invention of Carrarmato ("Carrarmato" or "Tank Sole"), which transformed mountaineering. Today, Vibram continues to supply premium-quality soles to leading footwear brands worldwide.