Once regarded as the next step in fitness evolution, Skechers Shape-Ups have become the latest trend to incorporate a contemporary design that simultaneously tones muscles. However, recent months have witnessed these unique shoes become the subject of increasing criticism. According to allegations made by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Skechers made unfounded claims that its Shape-Ups shoes would help people lose weight and strengthen their butt, leg and stomach muscles. As a result, Skechers USA Inc. has decided to pay $40 million to settle the current case leveled against them.
Skechers Shape-Ups are specifically designed to provide consumers with an alternative means of getting fit while they walk. Accordingly, Shape-Ups may take the place of boots, sandals, and shoes, while simultaneously contributing to muscle development. The distinct rounded sole on the bottom of the shoe is intended to purposefully place wearers in a state of perpetual unbalance. Therefore, by simply walking, consumers are forced to use unfamiliar muscles to maintain their balance. Doing so provides wearers with additional muscle tone. Used regularly, Shape-Ups may enhance the way consumers feel and look; muscles get toned, calories are burned and posture improves.
However, recent allegations leveled at Skechers USA Inc. suggest that these claims are unsubstantiated. According to the FTC, Skechers Shape-Ups do not provide consumers with the muscle toning witnessed in their ad campaigns. Subsequently, the FTC filed a claim against Skechers to inform the public that simply sporting a pair of Skechers’ fitness shoes is not going to result in a dramatic physical change.
According to allegations, ad campaigns funded by Skechers made misleading claims about several products. Accordingly, the recent settlement involved the company’s Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes.
After having agreed to settle these recent charges, Skechers has agreed to pay out an excess of $40 million. Consumers who bought the shoes will be eligible for refunds, though it’s not clear how much money people will get. The FTC says that will depend on how many claims are received in the eight-month filing period. Most of the $40 million will be returned to consumers, the commission said. A small amount of the money will be used to administer the payouts.
According to the FTC, Skechers falsely represented clinical studies that backed up the company’s claims about their products. In accordance with the settlement, Skechers is prohibited from misrepresenting any tests, studies or research on its shoes in the future.
“The FTC’s message, for Skechers and other national advertisers, is to shape up your substantiation or tone down your claims,” said David Vladeck, director of the agency’s consumer protection bureau. For millions of consumers, he said, “the only thing that got a workout was their wallet.”
Do I Have a Skechers Shape-Ups Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Skechers Shape-Ups lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has purchased Skechers Shape-Ups, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-(949) 557-5800.