Los Angeles, CA: Vibram, the maker of a glovelike running shoe that purported to have health benefits such as reducing foot injuries and strengthening foot muscles - has agreed to settle a consumer fraud class action lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges the company' health claims regarding its FiveFingers running shoes were false and misleading. Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that the claims were"deceptive"and stated "that FiveFingers may increase injury risk as compared to running in conventional running shoes, and even when compared to running barefoot."The complaint also stated that the company misrepresented research on barefoot running, claiming "there are no well-designed scientific studies that support FiveFingers' claims."
Under the terms of the proposed settlement agreement, Vibram would pay $94 per pair of shoes bought. More than two dozen models of Vibram shoes will qualify for refund.
Further, Vibram has agreed to discontinue some aspects of its advertising and marketing campaigns and, in the absence of verifiable scientific evidence, will make no other statements about the health benefits of FiveFingers.
