page_title: Vibram FiveFingers
section_title: Lawsuit
hierarchical_section_title: Vibram FiveFingers / Minimalist shoes / Lawsuit
caption_attribution_description: English: Dirty Vibram shoes after a run.
context_page_description: Vibram FiveFingers are a type of minimalist shoe manufactured by Vibram, originally marketed as a more natural alternative for different outdoors activities. The footwear is meant to replicate being barefoot and has thin, flexible soles that are contoured to the shape of the human foot, including visible individual sections for the toes.
  The company settled a lawsuit alleging false health claims and set aside $3.75 million to pay refunds of up to $94 to anyone who had purchased the product since March 21, 2009.
context_section_description: In 2012, an initial lawsuit was filed against Vibram over claims made about their FiveFingers minimalist shoe. Vibram claimed that the shoe "reduce[s] foot injuries and strengthen[s] foot muscles".  While Vibram has "expressly" denied "any actual or potential fault ... or liability", on May 7, 2014 it was announced that company has moved to settle the suit and agreed to set aside $3.75 million to pay refunds of up to $94 to anyone who had purchased the product since March 21, 2009.
caption: Trail vibram shoes after a muddy run.
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