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Consumers who bought Vibram FiveFingers shoes between March 21, 2009 and May 27, 2014 can now file a claim as part of the class action suit that the company settled earlier this month. Claims are being accepted online at a site created after the settlement.
As reported earlier on Runner's World Newswire, in March 2012 Valerie Bezdek brought a class action suit against Vibram, alleging that Vibram deceived consumers by advertising that the footwear could reduce foot injuries and strengthen foot muscles, without basing those assertions on scientific evidence. Vibram settled to put the matter to rest and avoid additional legal expenses. “Vibram expressly denied and continues to deny any wrongdoing alleged in the Actions, and neither admits nor concedes any actual or potential fault, wrongdoing or liability,” read the court brief.
Claimants can seek to be reimbursed for up to two pairs of FiveFingers; no proof of purchase is necessary to file a claim. Vibram will award up to a maximum of $94 per pair, although the agreement acknowledges that, based on similar settlements, it is reasonable for class members to expect to receive between $20 and $50 per pair. The deadline for submitting a claim is September 24, 2014.
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In addition to putting $3.75 million into an escrow account to pay for filed claims, the settlement requires Vibram to stop making health claims for FiveFingers unless scientific evidence arises to support such claims.
Related:
Vibram Agrees to Settle Class Action Lawsuit
Scott is a veteran running, fitness, and health journalist who has held senior editorial positions at Runner’s World and Running Times. Much of his writing translates sport science research and elite best practices into practical guidance for everyday athletes. He is the author or coauthor of several running books, including Running Is My Therapy, Advanced Marathoning, and Meb for Mortals. Scott has also written about running for Slate, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, and other members of the sedentary media. His lifetime running odometer is past 110,000 miles, but he’s as much in love as ever.
