Light Up Shoes Burn Feet, Say Skechers Purchasers

Consumers are reporting that Skechers light up shoes burn feet of wearers when they come into contact with moisture.

A class action lawsuit filed on Nov. 7, 2018, alleges that Skechers shoes in the S-Lights, Shopkins and Twinkle Toes lines have been leaving chemical burns on wearers’ feet due to defects in their rechargeable batterires. Specifically, the complaint states that the nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries installed in the heel of the shoes release a chemical when the shoes are wet, causing serious chemical burn injuries.

Background of the Case

In the Skechers class action , a New York woman says she purchased a pair of Skechers Rayz, a style of light up sneakers, for her nine-year old son. According to the packaging, Skechers Rayz feature a “pod design midsole with bright lights” that can be switched on or off. These lights are powered by NiCad batteries mounted in the sole of the shoes.

Three months later, the woman says, her son came home from school wearing his Rayz and complaining of foot pain. A physician later determined that he had suffered second-degree chemical burns.

Other purchasers have reported that said light up shoes burn feet of wearers frequently. Many children have allegedly suffered similar injuries since the product was introduced to the market.

About Skechers Light Up Shoes

The shoes in question were part of three different Skechers product lines. On its corporate website, Skechers allegedly states that its products contain “nothing harmful or reactive.” However, the plaintiff in the Skechers lawsuit says that neither the website nor the package provided any instructions for the use and care of the shoes or the batteries, nor were there any warnings about exposing the shoes to moisture, including normal sweating.

The current lawsuit alleges that Skechers became aware of design defects in their shoes in or around July 2017. However, they allegedly failed to issue any advisory to consumers. Instead, consumers who submitted a complaint were offered or sent a replacement.

Meanwhile, the plaintiff says, Skechers quietly discontinued the allegedly defective models. However, many of these shoes remained on the shelves of retailers who continued to promote and sell the products.

When the lead plaintiff in the current case went public online about her son’s experience, she says the defendant issued a press release, stating that its products “are rigorously tested for safety” and that the plaintiff’s report was the first they had received. Skechers also allegedly began posting instruction manuals on its website, advising customers on how to care for the battery so as to “get the most out of” the product and avoid damage to the batteries.

About NiCad Batteries

NiCad batteries contain cadmium, which is an extremely toxic heavy metal. They are generally safe to use, provided they remain sealed and are not subject to short circuits or overcharging.

However, they release potassium hydroxide when ruptured. This is an extremely alkaline substance that can cause severe burn injuries upon contact with the skin.

According to a publication from a manufacturer of NiCad batteries, contact with water can “cause rust and heat generation.” This  can damage the gas release vent, causing the battery to burst open. Encapsulation of NiCad batteries in an air-tight space – such as the sole of a shoe – can also result in damage to the casing.

Exploding batteries have caused widespread problems in other products. Samsung faced a slew of litigation when the rechargeable batteries in some of its smartphones overheated and sometimes exploded.

Have You or A Family Member Suffered Foot Injuries?

Numerous consumers now claim that Skechers light up shoes burn feet of wearers due to battery damage. You may be eligible to join a Skechers class action lawsuit investigation if you or a family member has suffered a NiCad battery-related burn while wearing a pair of Skechers light up shoes.

The Skechers Class Action Lawsuit is Sherry Foster, et al. v. Skechers U.S.S., Inc., Case No. 1:18-cv-10351, in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.

Join a Free Skechers Light Up Sneakers Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased shoes from any Skechers light-up lines since 2015 and the battery caused a burn or another injury, you may be eligible for an exploding light-up Skechers class action lawsuit investigation.

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