Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
You’ve seen the commercials for Skechers “Shape-ups” shoes, where people such as former NFL quarterback Joe Montana claim wearing the rocker-bottom shoes gets them in shape “without setting foot in a gym.” But are these shoes really all they’re cracked up to be? Not according to a federal class action lawsuit, which claims that not only does Skechers falsely advertise the health benefits of its Shape-Ups shoes, but that the shoes can actually cause injury.
Skechers claims in its advertisements that wearing Shape-Ups can result in noticeable physiological improvements, including weight loss, firmer and stronger muscles, reduced cellulite, improved circulation, and improved posture. These claims, Skechers says, are based on results shown in four clinical studies. According to the class action lawsuit, however, these claims are false.
“Shape-ups provide no health benefit to users beyond what any other ordinary sneaker provides. Worse, Shape-ups have actually injured some consumers,” the lawsuit says. “[Skechers’] false and misleading advertising campaign has allowed it to reap millions of dollars of profit at the expense of the consumers it has mislead.”
The lawsuit alleges the four clinical studies Skechers uses as evidence of Shape-ups’ health benefits are “medically, statistically and scientifically unsound,” and that they are “nothing more than marketing tools.” Studies on Shape-ups and similarly designed rocker-bottom shoes performed by objective third parties have found these types of shoes do not have the benefits that Skechers claims.
“Not only do Shape-ups not provide the benefits as claimed, they have significant drawbacks which Skechers has omitted from its advertising.” The class action lawsuit cites several doctors’ comments published in news reports that state rocker-bottom shoes such as Shape-ups can cause injuries, because they change the person’s walk or gait and are unstable for users who have flat feet or those who have pre-existing difficulties maintaining their balance. They also allegedly can cause injuries in areas that are responsible for maintaining balance, such as the hamstring or ankle.
If certified, the class action lawsuit will seek damages and refunds for consumers who purchased Shape-ups. A copy of the Skechers Shape-ups Class Action Lawsuit can be read here.
NEW DETAILS ON HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR CLAIM IN THE SKECHERS FTC AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT SETTLEMENTS IS AT http://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1881-skechers-toning-shoe-class-action-lawsuit-settlement
Updated May 17th, 2012
All class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Lawsuit News section of Top Class Actions
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
386 thoughts onSkechers Shape-Ups Class Action
I bought a pair of skechers shape ups in 2009. I thought they would help me while I walked during my exercise routine. I was constantly afraid I would fall or even break my ankle. I still have them sitting at home in my closet and I haven’t worn them in years.
I bought the shape ups at sears $125.00 I just found out 2 months ago about this law suit . who do I contact about this or do I call channel 7 news.
I bought a pair of skechers shape-ups a couple of years ago believing what their ads said. I would like a refund. there has been no benefits seen and back and feet issues have arisen.
I purchased Sketchers Shape Ups in 2010 and want a refund. I have hardly used them because they don’t help and make my back hurt.
I also received a denial letter for Walborn. I received a check on the Reebok, but not the Skechers. I didn’t call the # because it seems like it would be a lost cause. They’re not going to correct anything. I thought the FTC was FOR the consumers, not against. I don’t keep receipts. I buy too much stuff to do that, especially as far back as these suits go. When we submit a claim and it says NO PROOF OF PURCHASE REQUIRED, and then the claim gets denied, that makes NO SENSE! They have no proof that WE DIDN’T BUY IT!!!
Got my check today. :-)
I receive my refund 2day
Checks were mailed yesterday July 12th. There is a recording this morning at 866-325-4186 stating this. We should start getting them today
what these lawsuits are about. buying a pair of pants wearing them three times and the zipper busts.buying a tv with a 1 year warranty and it breaks 1 year and 1 week after you buy it.buying a computer that has a warranty and when it breaks down you find out you have to mail it to them at your expense and they send you back a used one.buying a turkey and it is rotten but they won’t refund your money because you did not keep the receipt.there should be more of these lawsuits not less. having a prescription you need every month go from $20 to $100 in 3 months corporations act like crooks after they get your money they do not want to give it back for any reason.
Really? People suing over shoes? This is the most ridiculous thing ever. Not only do the shoes looks silly, but people are suing them? You’re all getting old is why you need this surgery. No way shoes do this to you. And if you have flat feet you can’t buy arch shoes anyway. So how about you sue every shoe with arches in them. Stop complaining about your purchase. This is just silly.