RE: Vibram soles or rubber?
I have vibram on a couple of summer wear boots. Good wearing; made for walking on softer surfaces like forests and fields, rather than on concrete or macadam.
I had a foot problem some years ago, and I appreciate a hard sole, for wear and keeping the foot in one piece.
For walking/hiking on hard surfaces, which I do a lot of, I opt for a sole with a slightly more rubbery give, but still stiff.