Adidas Sued for Barefoot Running Claims

Adidas can now join Vibram as another toe shoe manufacturer being sued for barefoot-related marketing claims.

Reuters reports plaintiff Joseph Rocco believes he was "duped" into buying his $90 pair of Adidas Adipure Trainers (reviewed here) based on claims the Adipures would "increase training efficiency" and decrease "risk of injury."

What happened to Rocco?  Seems he suffered compound fractures after training in the toe shoes.  Yes, you read that right — not stress fractures but compound fractures (where the bone sticks through the skin).

Anyone ever had that happen to them in FiveFingers, Skele-Toes, or other minimalist shoes?  If it's happened to you, would you blame the shoes?

I really, really want to know just how Rocco managed to get a compound fracture while wearing Adipures.  Furthermore, I want to know just how his reliance on Adidas' marketing claims (or lack of warnings) directly caused that fracture.  How hard must you be running in a pair of minimalist shoes for this to happen to your foot?  Would a wedge of foam prevent a fracture if you're running this hard?  Oh the questions this case begs ...

You'll recall that Vibram is being sued in class action lawsuit over barefoot running claims and the FTC laid the smackdown on Skechers over Shape-Ups claims.  Where does individual responsibility come to bear on these sorts of cases?  Is this just another example of the U.S. legal system gone awry?

Questions and more questions. Anyone care to opine?

Source: Reuters