Vibram’s FiveFingers Running Shoes Turn Out To Be A Big Scam

The funny-looking tennis shoes that hit the market in 2006 have turned out to be a big scam and the company responsible, Vibram, has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit. If you ever bought a pair of FiveFingers running shoes, you may be compensated.

It seems like yesterday everyone began wearing the strange, rubber-like tennis shoes that were believed to be the "new best thing." Deep down I had an inkling that something was just plain weird about them, and it was not just the fact that they made people's feet look webbed. If you are guilty of purchasing a pair and disgracing the fashion world, don't beat yourself up quite yet.

According to Runner's World, Vibram USA, the company who designed and produced FiveFingers running shoes, claimed that their shoes could reduce foot injury and help strengthen foot muscles. Turns out, these claims were not backed up by any scientific evidence and in fact, did the complete opposite.

"This study showed that increases in bone marrow edema [the precursor to a stress fracture] are more common in subjects who were transitioning to the [Vibram FiveFingers]," concluded this 2013 study.

The class action settlement consists of two kinds of relief:  to refund consumers who make valid and complete claims and to discontinue the claims that FiveFingers running shoes benefit feet by strengthening muscles and reducing injury, unless the company discovers scientific evidence to back it up.

To inform consumers and class members of the terms of agreement, Vibram is required to establish a website, www.fivefingerssettlement.com. If you think you are eligible for compensation or need more information on this story, visit runnersworld.com.