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THE FOOTWEAR COMPANY Skechers is to pay $40 million to settle charges by the US Federal Trade Commission that it made unfounded claims that some of its products would help people lose weight, and tone and strengthen leg, buttock and abdominal muscles.
The FTC complaint concerned Skechers Shape-ups, Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes; the commission said that advertising for the footwear had “violated federal law by making deceptive claims, “including falsely representing that clinical studies backed up the claims”.
“Skechers’ unfounded claims went beyond stronger and more toned muscles. The company even made claims about weight loss and cardiovascular health,” said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
“The FTC’s message, for Skechers and other national advertisers, is to shape up your substantiation or tone down your claims.”
US consumers who bought the shoes will be eligible for refunds either directly through the FTC, or through a court-approved class action lawsuit.
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