Skechers Under Fire For 'Deceiving' Consumers With Shoe Ads
MANHATTAN BEACH (CBS) — Shoemaker Skechers USA agreed to pay $40 million to settle a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit over claims made by the company regarding toning footwear.
The consumer lawsuit claimed "toning" footwear known as Shape-ups, Tone-ups, Skechers Resistance Runner, and Shape-ups Toners toning shoes were falsely advertised to improve posture, promote weight loss, strengthen the back, improve blood circulation, promote sleep, reduce stress, reduce physical stress on knees, legs and ankle joints and burn calories.
"Skechers' unfounded claims went beyond stronger and more toned muscles. The company even made claims about weight loss and cardiovascular health," said David Vladeck, head of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The Skechers ads challenged by the FTC included shape-ups ads featuring celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Brooke Burke. The Kardashian ad showed her dumping her personal trainer for a pair of Shape-ups. While, the Burke ad told consumers that the newest way to burn calories and tone and strengthen muscles was to tie their Shape-ups shoe laces.
If approved by the court, the proposed settlement will result in cash refunds for each pair of shoes purchased in the following amounts:
- Shape-ups: $40-$80
- Podded Sole Shoes: $27-$54
- Tone-ups, Non-podded Sole: $20-$40
- Resistance Runner: $42-$84
To be eligible for a refund, claims can be submitted online at skecherssettlement.com and with the FTC.
