I own a pair of Vibram FiveFingers Classics that I bought myself four years ago.

I’m not a runner; I don’t wear these in the club, or to work. Living in NYC, I’m very fortunate to have a concrete backyard where I like to wear my Vibrams. Jumping rope, playing handball, doing push ups and stretches- all make me feel like more of a ninja with these on. Last week, as a result of a class action lawsuit settlement, Vibram proposed to pay out as much as $94 to anyone who bought some FiveFingers as far back as 2009. The plaintiffs say that Vibram made unsubstantiated claims that wearing FiveFingers could strengthen muscles and prevent injury. Writer James Fallows typed an excellent defense of Vibram in a recent piece. “If people actually bought these shoes for promised health benefits, then perhaps it’s fair for them to get their $94-per-pair back.” He’s not claiming a refund and neither am I. Vibram denies any wrongdoing. The proposed settlement is simply to avoid a prolonged legal battle. The company has better things to do- like make outsoles for just about every shoe company on the planet. Just like James, I have no business affiliation with Vibram beyond me buying them. I can’t help thinking someone wearing FiveFingers in an inappropriate social setting led to the suit. Perhaps a couple wore matching FiveFingers to a Met Gala, or a wedding reception in Massachusetts where some legal eagles were in attendance. Lawyer A looked at lawyer B and said “let’s make ’em pay”. Over the years I watched with interest as Vibram released more and more maximal versions of their minimalist shoes, but I continue to prefer the no-frills Classics. This legal settlement does nothing to change my view of toe shoes or Vibram. I’m sorry for those people you see wearing them at the airport/coffeeshop. 

In the parallel universe of high-heels, magician David Copperfield’s fiance Chloe Gosselin is launching her own line of footwear later this year. The line is made in Italy from leather and “exotic skins”.  At this time, there is no evidence that wearing some Chloes can decrease injuries and strengthen muscles, but Popdiatry recommends that you avoid running (fast) in them. Though be advised that the $850- $1600 price points may cause premature erosion to your savings account balance.

A research team at the MIT Media Lab published a paper about a new exoskeleton boot project. Similar to how an electric bike helps you effortlessly pedal up hills, these exoskeletal boots may assist soldiers carrying heavy packs, or civilians carrying beer kegs to neighborhood parties through the use of sensors and motors that mechanically aid existing leg movements. According to the Lab’s Hugh Herr: “This is the first exoskeleton that actually augments human walking and significantly reduces metabolic cost.” 

Puma linked with Alexander McQueen to create one hundred pairs of super-special (not-for-sale) soccer cleats to be given out to select associates of collaborating parties in recognition of Soccer’s World Cup in Brazil this summer.

There is still no word on the status of the stolen signed Usain Bolt Pumas which were lifted last month from an industrial estate in Croydon. The running star took to social media with an appeal to the perpetrator.

With all these health claims and lawsuits flying around, I would like to stress that Popdiatry.com is not a substitute for medical advice or medical attention. If you are experiencing foot problems of any kind, please feel free to read Popdiatry.com for information and entertainment while you are in the waiting room of a real doctor or podiatrist.  Thanks.