Mass. Lawsuit Targets Minimalist Running Shoe Company
BOSTON (AP) — A company that makes minimalist running shoes - which feature pods for each toe - faces a federal class action lawsuit in Massachusetts.
The civil complaint against Vibram USA Inc. and Vibram FiveFingers LLC, which has an office in Concord, says the plaintiffs' claims exceed $5 million.
The lawsuit says the manufacturer makes deceptive claims about its product's health benefits.
The complaint says there's no proof that running in Vibram's product will improve posture and foot health, promote spine alignment, strengthen muscles, and reduce injury risk.
It also alleges that running in the footwear, which costs about $80 to $125 a pair, may increase injury risk as compared with running in conventional shoes or barefoot.
Vibram officials didn't return calls seeking comment Friday afternoon.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
