the shoe “reduce(s) foot injuries, and strengthen(s) foot muscles.” The claim was based on Gert-Peter Bruggermann research accepted at the 2005 Conference for the International Society of Biomechanics. Later, a controlled study published in July 2013 showed that the risk of bone marrow edema among new wearers increased during their respective periods of transition to minimalist shoes when worn for extended periods of time. While Vibram, according to court papers, expressly denied “any actual or potential fault… or liability”, it was announced in 2014 that the company had 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. In the end, few claims were filed and Vibram donated the balance of the funds to charity. Trivia Vibram shoes were sported by European statesman Jean Monnet and specifically mentioned in the landmark interview he gave in mid-June 1955 to French journalist André Fontaine for prominent daily newspaper , in which he hinted at the forthcoming creation of the Action Committee for the United States of Europe. References External links www.vibram.com — (official site) Italian companies established in 1937 Clothing companies established in 1937 Companies based in Lombardy Italian brands Italian inventions Shoe companies of Italy Sporting goods manufacturers of Italy Shoe brands