The popular shoe brand Skechers has agreed to pay $40 million to settle charges that the company deceived consumers by making unfounded claims.
FOX23 News first introduced you to toning gear last year, when we found out that local fitness professionals were not on board with the toning sneaker trend.
Local strength coaches and doctors told FOX23 News that if a product or a brand promises fantastic results with little or no work on your part, it is probably too good to be true.
Now, a multi-state investigation has uncovered the same thing.
The recognizable, sometimes racy ads for Skechers Shape-Ups are a thing of the past.
“The commercials are awesome,” said Lisa Del Reis.
The ads convinced the Watervliet resident to buy into the trend.
“I paid $85,” Del Reis said. A few weeks later, she said she regretted the decision.
“You start feeling the difference, you get pain in your legs,” Del Reis said.
But, she claims she was told these were the best shoes to help her tone up and slim down. Now, those claims are costing Skechers $40 million.
The Federal Trade Commission announced Wednesday that the company agreed to a settlement on charges of deceptive marketing.
Gym members said Wednesday that Skechers had it coming.
“You could tell it was a gimmick from the start,” said Leslie Starles.
Eric Clark agreed. “I never understood how they would work, it just didn't seem to make sense to me," he said.
The FTC said a multi-state investigation revealed Skechers' claims were not substantiated by credible scientific evidence.
“Just because something feels like it is doing something, doesn't mean that it is doing something positive. You could be hurting yourself and feel it too,” said Gold’s Gym Master Trainer Carol Koch.
In a statement, Skechers denied any wrongdoing, but said the company settled to avoid excessive court costs.
Now, unhappy consumers are cashing in. Del Reis said she will be one of those consumers submitting a claim.
Anyone who purchased a pair of the Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, or the Resistance Runner is eligible for a refund.
To find out how to submit a claim – CLICK HERE.
