Barefoot Shoe Makers Sued for False Health Ads

A putative class of California runners who purchased Vibram USA Inc.'s FiveFingers “barefoot running” shoes are suing the manufacturers for allegedly falsely asserting that the shoes provide health benefits, according to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California July 9.

Ali Safavi filed a would-be class suit against Vibram USA and Vibram FiveFingers LLC, alleging the companies falsely and deceptively assert that wearing the shoes “improves posture and foot health, reduces risk of injury, strengthens muscles in feet and lower legs, and promotes spine alignment.”

The complaint says the shoes require consumers to ...