Vibram settles $3.75 million law suit after making false claims...

No doubt many of you are familiar with the Vibram Five-Finger shoes which are popular with those into barefoot or minimalist running. Back in 2012, some customers in the US brought a lawsuit against the company claiming that the company was guilty of false advertising. The case revolves the fact that Vibram had claimed that Vibram FiveFingers was effective in strengthening muscles and in reducing injuries. The company however could not back up these claims and Vibram USA has now settled the case to avoid any additional legal expenses. In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said......“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”.

While technically not guilty, the company did agree to a $3.75 million settlement. This will takes two forms...
The first is to refund customers who purchased a pair of Vibram FiveFingers between March 21, 2009 and the date of "the first dissemination of summary settlement notice or class notice, whichever is earlier". In this case, it's likely that FiveFingers will award claimants between $20 and $50 per pair.

The second is that claimants can get up to two pairs of shoes without any kind of receipt or proof of purchase. However, FiveFingers can request a verification of purchase should they decide to do so in an effort to prevent against possible fraud. Anyone who seeks to recover payment on more than two pairs of footwear must submit both a valid claim form and proof of purchase.

It would seem however as if this settlement only applies to Vibram FiveFinger customers in the USA. Vibram FiveFinger shoes currently sell for an average of $94 a pair in the US.