Vibram USA, creator of the FiveFinger running shoes, recently settled a class action lawsuit worth US$3.75 million after being charged with false claims that its running shoe provides users health benefits. 

In an advertisement that was used as one of the bases for the lawsuit, the FiveFingers shoes, which are flexible, thin-soled and cost about US$100 per pair, are said to give users the closest experience of running in bare feet. 

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Valerie Bezdek filed the first lawsuit in March 2012 in Massachusetts where Vibram is headquartered. The court filings show that Bezdek accused Vibram of deceptive marketing and falsely advertised the shoes benefits without conducting any scientific research. She said the company induced her and other consumers to purchase FiveFinger shoes because of the health benefits the company claims its users will get. 

Subsequently, class actions were filed against Vibram in the states of California and Illinois. These were absorbed into Bezdek's complaint. 

Experts also said that the shoe may have negative side effects to users. According to a position statement by the American Podiatric Medicine Association, barefoot running has been believed to improve strength and balance because it's more attuned to a more natural running style. 

"However, risks of barefoot running include a lack of protection, which may lead to injuries such as puncture wounds, and increased stress on the lower extremities," the position statement wrote.

A report by Runners World said members of the class action lawsuit who purchased the running shoes after March 2009 can receive a partial refund of up to US$94 per pair. All they need to do is submit a valid claims form. 

Part of the court settlement also bars Vibran from making future claims about the shoes' health benefits. The court settlement said that [Vibram] will not make any claims that its running shoes have health benefits such as strengthening of muscles and preventing running injuries. The ruling also said that the company can claim otherwise if it can support it by "competent and reliable scientific evidence."

TagsFiveFingers running shoes, Vibram USA, Class Action