Consumers spent millions of
dollars snatching up toning sneakers as soon as they hit store shelves.
Manufacturers of these specially designed shoes claimed the shoes could make
workouts more efficient, promote weight loss and strengthen muscles. Many
manufacturers released their own toning shoe, which generally featured a
"rocker-type" bottom that changed foot stride and stability. Although
the public was intrigued, few if any people noticed any changes from wearing
the toning shoes. In 2011, Reebok International Ltd. agreed to pay $25 million
to settle charges that it made unsupported claims that its "toning
shoes" provide extra muscle strength, discovered by the U.S. Federal Trade
Commission. In May of 2012, the FTC announced that Skechers USA, Inc. would pay
$40 million to settle charges that the footwear company made unfounded claims
that its Shape-ups shoes would help people lose weight and strengthen their
buttocks, leg and stomach muscles. The FTC said Skechers falsely claimed that
clinical studies backed up the company's assertions about its toning shoes.
Individuals who purchased these types of shoes are eligible for a refund under
the consumer fraud class-action lawsuit. What's more, toning shoes have been
under fire since they arrived on the scene a few years ago. In May 2011, a
Consumer Reports article stated that toning shoes had produced more injury
reports than any other product in its database. The reported injuries included
tendinitis and foot, leg and hip pain.
The more severe reported
injuries included broken bones. For those who purchased the Skechers athletic
shoes in question, visit
http://www.skecherssettlement.com
for more information
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