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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
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386 thoughts onSkechers Shape-Ups Class Action
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
I am a 66 year old female who has owned Sketchers shape ups for about one year. Over time I have noticed increasing problems with legs and thigh aches and cramping in my feet and thighs. Also more back discomfort and recently increased hip pain. I am constantly on guard regarding balance. I do not wear them every day. They were not inexpensive to buy but now I am afraid to continue using them.
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
I used to walk 5 miles a day in CA.I moved to AZ & I bought Skechers shape-ups.Starting in March I walked a mile in them for about a week & they felt good so I bought a 2nd pair,on sale.I wish I had checked on line first because they were still being advertised. So I thought all was ok.My shoulders started to hurt in places I did’t know I had. On the first day of the 2nd week I walked my mile I was ok. However the next day I could not walk without the help of a walking stick my right hip right in the middle of the butt cheek and my left knee. It took over 10 days to get back to walk normal. So I laid off of the walking. However I missed it so on Sat 4/23 I walked around the block, approx10 minutes.Deja vu Easter Sunday and today I still can not walk without assistance & the pain between my shoulders is incredible.I’m on a fixed income, I can’t afford to go to a Dr. I just try icing and stretching. I definitely want to part of this suit.Thank you to the first person who pointed this out.
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
My husband bought these shape up shoes for mothers day last year, I started wearing the shoes following the instructions for a couple of hours at the time until my body got use to them, they are really comfy and so I thought but I noticed after taking the shoes off the ball and arch of both feet hurt NonStop. I stop wearing the shoes thinking pain would go away but it hasn’t. I now wear other shoes and wish I could get my money back and have the pain on my feet go away after all I’m on my feet ALL DAY*full time mom with 3jobs*:'(
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
hi my name is helen. the problem im having with the sketcher gym shoes my ankle is crashing and the back top of the shoe digs in the back of my heel.
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
I have worn these shoes everyday for the last 6 months. I noticed knee pain about 4 months ago and thought it was just getting older but I am only 44. Just searched the internet to see if it might be the shoes and it looks like it is. I am a business owner and work 7 days a week 11 hours a day on my feet most of it. I was so happy that I found comfortable shoes but it looks like they aren’t as comfortable as I thought. I have problems getting up from a bend stance. :(
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
I too have been having problems since using sketcher’s Sape Ups. At first I loved them-the extra cushining felt great. But after a week or so, my body started feeling out of sorts. Now, I have developed a numbness in my lateral right leg from toes up to my hip. Everyday walking in regular shoes and sneakers is uncomfortable now , as I feel so unsteady on my feet! Also, my knees feel as if they will hyperextend when I am walking down stairs and I now have to hold onto railing going upstairs. . I, too, am interested in joining this Class Action lawsuit only because it is NOT an isolated incident-there are so many people with the same-or WORSE!-problems resulting from these sneakers-my complaint goes beyond the false advertising of this company-there needs to be a warning attached! How does one go about getting g[joining this Class Action suit?
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
Cushy feel of the shoe is wonderful. My Plantar Faschitis would have benefited from this shoe. It did cause a 3 bone broken ankle. I have a plate in the outside bone with 7 pins, and two 3″ screws in the inside bone. I was in a cast and walking boot for 3 months. Sick time ended up 8 weeks. Medical costs were around $25,000.
I believe these shoes can help certain people with specific ailments, but I also feel because of the design of the shoe, others have been legitimately injured.
I verify those struggling with medical bills and trauma. I also am pleased with those who have a better quality of life from wearing these shoes. I wish those commenting could consider both sides as having legitimate points, and not bashing or devaluling others because their experience is different.
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
I have worn these shoes for over a year and I love them. They have actually improved my balance. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I never read the directions so I don’t know what I’m suppose to be doing and I only walk a mile or two a day. I wear them all day at least 5 days a week. I guess it’s just in what you’re doing when you’re wearing them.
I don’t understand why anyone would continue wearing any shoe if you thought it was bringing you pain? I buy shoes for comfort and with the shape ups I found it and I will buy more pairs when these wear out!!
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
I have the Champion version of these and they’ve caused so much pain :( I wonder if there’s a Champion lawsuit too?
Skechers Shape-Ups Class Action
I am 62 years old. Two knee surgeries to both knees, a back surgery and arthritic hips. Any walking has caused me so much pain I could not walk 1/2 mile without having to stop and rest until the pain subsided before I could again.
Since I have been wearing the shape-up shoes I can walk any distance I choose as I now longer experience any pain. When I go back to my other well known brand shoe, my body starts hurting very soon upon walking. The shape-ups are like walking on air.
I would gladly testify for free on behalf of Skechers shoes. :-D