VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS SUED FOR FALSE CLAIMS

Alan Arnett wrote:

Do they make Six Fingers for the polydactyl crowd?

Not sure. With that said, I think the law suit is crazy. I can't stand people who want to sue to just sue and not read the fine print of a product or warning labels. I guarantee, if Vibram and co were not making a hugh profit right now, you wouldn't have people suing but then again, the same people who sue are probably the same folks who sue tripping over their own feet.

I personally would not wear the Viibrams for running or excessive activity but have found them to be helpful in strengthening my feet.

Hucel wrote:Look here are the facts

FACT #1. Vibrams do work for some people. There is an indisputable population that Vibrams has worked for.

FACT #2. Vibrams are not the fix for all people. Some peoples feet are not going to be able to switch to barefoot.

FACT #3. There are a lot of impatient fools who do too much in the vibrams too fast and get injured.

FACT #4. There isn't enough solid research on the claims of Vibrams and minimalist running. But there also isn't enough research to tear down minimalist running.

Its because there isn't much research I am curious to see what will happen.

These are all fine but you can't make unfounded claims to help sell something. That's why they are being sued and why they should be. The reason why you can't sue Nike for getting injured in the Pegaus or Vomero is because they haven't made untry and unfounded claims like "These will make you run faster" or "these will keep you from getting injured".

Vibram deserves to be sued here much like Reebok and Sketchers did for all the untrue toning claims.

Companies that make untrue statements to make money should be sued.

Nike does make claims about Frees though. They started making Frees way before 5 fingers came out

Along these lines of reasoning millions of people should sue in light of Adidas telling people "Impossible is nothing" and Nike to "Just Do it" even when they are injured.

I think in America we need a rethink.

Cam Levins wears the Six Fingers. Although his sixth digit on each foot is retractable so he also wears the Five Fingers.

A seemingly pro-Vibram blog:

http://athleticsillustrated.com/editorial/the-vibram-suit-poor-judgement/

My only question is why don't pro runners all go barefoot if it is better for them?

Probably because they already have solid form and foot strength so need the protection of shoes.

You answered your own question to a degree.

Lots of top level athletes do strides and warm-down after workouts and races barefoot on a soccer pitch. Many and I'd argue most wear a very non-supportive shoe most of the time.

The unsaid message in the article is "why would anyone who knows anything at all about physiology decide in favour of the plaintiff?"

The judge probably knows nothing of running. It was an poor decision.

Fitzwell wrote:

It's the lemming-like adoption and annoying evangelism from a largely mediocre group of performers that rubs most 'real' runners badly. Plus a lot of the same people using vibrams are triathletes and crossfitters - two populations comprised of despicable humble-braggers and enormously douchey narcissists.

100% true