D.C. Joins 44 States In Settling Charges of Deceptive Advertising By Shoe Manufacturer Skechers | News

From Ted Gest: District of Columbia Attorney General Irvin B. Nathan announced that the District of Columbia has joined the Federal Trade Commission and 44 states in filing settlements with Skechers USA, Inc., the maker of Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, and the Skechers Resistance Runner athletic shoes.

Skechers will refund up to $40 million to consumers who purchased the shoes and will also pay $5 million to the states. The District’s share of the payment to the states is $70,349.  The firm’s national sales have totaled about $1 billion. That corresponds to about $2 million in sales to D.C. residents, and about $80,000 in consumer restitution for them.

In a complaint filed in D.C. Superior Court, the Attorney General alleged that Skechers made health-related claims in the marketing, packaging, advertising, offering, and selling of its line of rocker-bottom shoe products, including Shape-ups, Tone-ups, and the Skechers Resistance Runner, that were not adequately substantiated. Skechers made unsubstantiated claims that these products caused consumers to lose weight, burn calories, improve circulation, fight cellulite, and firm, tone or strengthen thigh, buttock, and back muscles.

While Skechers does not admit wrongdoing, and denies the Attorney General’s allegations, it agreed to a court judgment that prohibits it from making claims unless it has adequate substantiation. Consumers who purchased Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, or the Skechers Resistance Runner should go to www.ftc.gov/skechers for information about how to file a claim for a partial refund.