Consumers that were promised the ability to lose weight and keep in shape by simply walking in Skechers Shape-ups sneakers, as well as Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes, will now be refunded for the misleading and false advertisements behind the footwear. The Federal Trade Commission announced today that Skechers USA will have to pay $40 million to the FTC to settle charges as a result of deceiving them into believing that their apparent weight-loss and toning sneakers would actually keep them in shape without further exercise.
The charges made against Skechers stretched across the United States, where agreements are currently being made to resolve a multi-state investigation, said the FTC in a press release issued Wednesday. Those included in the enquiry were Tennessee and Ohio Attorneys General Offices, as well as attorneys general from 42 other states and the District of Columbia.
"Skechers' unfounded claims went beyond stronger and more toned muscles. The company even made claims about weight loss and cardiovascular health," David Vladeck, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, was commented as saying for the press release. "The FTC's message, for Skechers and other national advertisers, is to shape up your substantiation or tone down your claims."
Specific advertisements targeted by the FTC as falsely claiming that the footwear would help the owners keep in shape, lose weight, burn calories and provide better cardiovascular health, were listed by the government organization in the claim. One included "telling consumers to "Shape Up While You Walk," and "Get in Shape without Setting Foot in a Gym," and claiming that the shoes are designed to promote weight loss and tone muscles," according to the press release. Another used celebrities like Brooke Burke and Kim Kardashian in 2011 Super Bowl ads, where they commented on how the footwear would allow them to keep in shape without the requirement of physical workouts, and promote weight loss.
For consumers who purchased any of the footwear in question since August 1, 2008, a Skechers Settlement website was created, where owners of the sneakers may have the chance to get a refund for buying the Shape-ups, Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes, as part of a class-action lawsuit.
