Skechers Fined For Allegedly Misleading Consumers

The Federal Trade Commission announced last week that Skechers had agreed to pay a $40,000,000.00 fine for making representations in their advertising that simply were not true.  For many people seeking a healthier lifestyle or trying to lose weight, the advertisements seemed almost too good to be true - wear Skechers Shape-ups footwear and watch the pounds melt away.  According to a CCN story, at a news conference last Wednesday, the FTC said the shoemaker's claims weren't true and alleged Skechers violated federal law by misleading consumers, consisting of "unfounded claims that Shape-ups would help people lose weight, and strengthen and tone their buttocks, legs and abdominal muscles."

See the CNN news story HERE.

Skechers Shape-ups have been touted as being able to:

1. Promote weight loss,
2. Tone muscles,
3. Improve posture,
4. Reduce stress on knees and ankles,
5. Strengthen and firm the back muscles,
6. Tighten abdominal muscles,
7. Improve blood circulation,
8. Firm leg muscles,
9. Tone and firm thigh muscles,
10. Relieve muscle tension and fatigue, and
11. Allow the wearer to get in shape without setting foot in a gym.

Moved by such claims, consumers purchased the Shape-ups with very high expectations, and they sometimes did not only fail to see the results promised, but they were injured as well.  The Shape-ups shoes are actually designed to be unstable, and this makes them potentially dangerous, especially for those with knee or ankle instability issues.  Older consumers , who are prone to falls in general, can be exposed to an even greater risk of falls and serious injuries because of the shoe instability.  In spite of this, Skechers marketed their well-hyped shoes to everyone, including those at a heightened risk for falls.  Those injured because of being misled and never warned, have the right to bring a products liability action to recover compensation for their injuries and damages.

Compensation for the victims of dangerously defective products, including toning shoes like Skechers Shape-ups, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When an unsafe product, such as a pair of toning shoes, causes severe injuries or death, the manufacturer should be held accountable for the injuries and damages they leave behind.  An Orange County products liability attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years of experience handling personal injury and product liability cases, including just this type.  His office filed the first Orange County lawsuit against Skechers, and he can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a family member been injured by Skechers Shape-ups or some other toning shoes?

• This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.

Are Skechers' Shape-Ups What They Claim?

Like most of us, you have probably seen a number of ads for Skechers’ Shape-ups.  The company touts these toning shoes as being able to improve the wearer’s health in a wide range of ways.  From improving posture to reducing fat, the Skechers’ Shape-ups are advertised as seemingly one of the best investments a consumer could make in their health.

However, studies which suggest the shoes provide little to no benefit are pouring in.  Critics, including licensed health care professionals, have linked the shoes to an increased risk of injury and falls.  One such study by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) was released in July of last year.  According to ACE, all three toning shoes tested (including Skechers’ Shape-ups) showed no statistically significant increases in either exercise response or muscle activation during treadmill trials, when compared to the normal athletic shoes tested.  The researchers found there was simply no evidence to indicate that the toning shoes offer any enhanced fitness benefits over traditional sneakers, despite studies cited by manufacturers seemingly “proving” the toning shoes’ effectiveness.  See the study summary at the ACE website.

As indicated in an earlier post, the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph has filed what appears to be Orange County’s  first product liability lawsuit against Skechers, as a result of injuries sustained by a Shape-ups wearer.  Since that time, Mr. Ralph has received consumer reports from as far away as Chicago that they have experienced injuries/pain as a result of wearing Shape-ups.  The product liability action here in Orange County will be moving forward in discovery shortly and informative blog posts should follow.

Compensation for the victims of dangerously defective products, including toning shoes, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a product, such as toning shoes, causes severe injuries or chronic medical conditions, the manufacturer should be held accountable for the injuries and damages they cause.  An Orange County injury lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has 20 years of experience handling personal injury and product liability cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a family member been injured by toning shoes?

• This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.