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FTC says Skechers Shape-ups claims bogus; consumers to get $40 million

E-mail | Print |Comments () Posted by Mitch Lipka May 16, 2012 11:15 AM

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The Federal Trade Commission just announced that Skechers, which claimed its Shape-ups shoes could do the exercise for you, will pay $40 million under a proposed settlement.

Claims included: “Shape Up While You Walk,” and “Get in Shape without Setting Foot in a Gym.”

"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, said in a statement. "The FTC’s message, for Skechers and other national advertisers, is to shape up your substantiation or tone down your claims."

A similar settlement was announced with Reebok in the fall.

If you bought Skechers between 2008 and 2011, you can file a claim here. This settlement, if approved, would also close out a class action lawsuit filed against the company.

tags claims, deceptive advertising, deceptive marketing, exercise, ftc, reebok, settlement, skechers

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Mitch Lipka is one of America's leading consumer journalists and advocates. He is an expert in product safety, recalls, scams, and helping consumers get out of jams. He is a nationally known consumer columnist and runs TheConsumerChronicle.com. He lives in Worcester. You can find him on Facebook or reach him at ConsumerNews@Aol.com