Skechers to pay $40M over shoe benefit claims

[Catbird]

So much for that idea...

CBS News:

"Skechers USA Inc. will pay $40 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission that the footwear company made unfounded claims that its Shape-ups shoes would help people lose weight and strengthen their butt, leg and stomach muscles...

The settlement, announced Wednesday, also involves the company's Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes. Skechers made deceptive claims about those shoes, too, says the agency.

Consumers who bought the shoes will be eligible for refunds."

[CanadaSue]

Surprised it took this long - they were making some pretty sketchy claims.

[Antropologo]

I wouldn't support this strictly on principle because Kim Cardassian put herself behind the product.

Now, the competitor products on the other hand produced some very nice commercials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=3T9RU-K9paQ

[Potemkin]

Straight fraud or incomplete studies?

Lat week I walked 4 hours on rounded cobblestone. My feet and calves were constantly working, similar to the "balance ball inspired" shoes.

My this were burning. I could see where long tern use could cause leg improvement over time.

[CanadaSue]

I can see them toning calf & thigh muscles - if worn regularly & USED to walk - not just sitting around in them.

My husband's doctor hates them. She's had a lot of older patients fall or slip badly. They want to get teir legs looking better but aren't aware that without really good balance - they can be a problem.

[Potemkin]

Originally Posted by CanadaSue

My husband's doctor hates them. She's had a lot of older patients fall or slip badly. They want to get teir legs looking better but aren't aware that without really good balance - they can be a problem.

There is definitely a balance issue with them. Not for the unsteady.

You need several days to get used to them and even then you can have problems with them.

They are made for flat concrete or floor tiles. Not for the trails.

Someone, who shall remain name less, has a slight balance problem. This person goes more for the cross training athletic shoes.

Wider base, more stability.

Of course most fashion conscious women DO NOT like them. They say "they make my feet look big".