State Involved in Sketchers False Ad Settlement

Skechers' advertises that its fitness shoes can help shed pounds and tone muscles, but the government says the claims are sketchy at best— and they're going to cost the company millions of dollars.

The company, based in Manhattan Beach, California, has agreed to pay up to $40 million in consumer refunds and an additional $5 million to the states and Connecticut is part of the settlement.

Once approved by the court, Connecticut’s share of the settlement would be $88,208, according to Attorney General George Jepsen.

Connecticut has joined with the Federal Trade Commission, 42 states and the District of Columbia in coordinated settlement  agreements with the company over allegations of deceptive advertising for rocker-bottom Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups and the Skechers Resistance Runner athletic shoes.

The state claims that Skechers did not have adequate support for its claims that the rocker-bottom shoe products caused consumers to lose weight, burn calories, improve circulation, fight cellulite, and firm, tone or strengthen thigh, buttock, and back muscles.

“I’m pleased to participate in this settlement, which will help to reimburse consumers who relied on the company’s claims in making their purchases,” Attorney General Jepsen said.

Consumers who may be eligible for a partial refund of their purchase of Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups or the Skechers Resistance Runner athletic shoes, should submit a claim form available on the FTC website.

While Skechers did not admit wrongdoing and denied the allegations asserted in the complaint, the settlement prohibits Skechers from making these claims without adequate substantiation. 

Consumers who have complaints about unsubstantiated health or advertising claims or any consumer matter should contact the Office of the Attorney General at  860-808-5400.