Television personality Brooke Burke appeared in a Shape-ups commercial touting the shoes' beneficial effects on fitness and appearance.
/ Courtesy: FTC
Ohio and Michigan consumers are among residents in 43 states, and the District of Columbia, to be eligible for refunds on purchases of Skechers toning sneakers.
The $45 million settlement closes the case against the shoe manufacturer which, according to the Federal Trade Commission, overstated its products’ weight-loss benefits.
“When comparing its toning footwear to standard fitness shoes, Skechers puts its foot in its mouth by making unproven claims that its toning footwear strengthens muscles, increases weight loss, reduces body fat and improve circulation and aerobic conditioning,” Director of the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection David Vladeck said.
Ohio’s Attorney General Mike DeWine says the Buckeye state's share will be about $156,000.
Under the agreement, Skechers is now prohibited from making unsubstantiated claims about the shoes' benefits to losing weight or toning muscles.
The company’s products include Shape-ups, Tone-ups, and the Skechers Resistance Runner.
Skechers introduced its "Shape-ups" model in 2009 and were endorsed by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Brooke Burke.
Each pair can cost up to $100.00.
Consumers can apply online to receive a refund for their purchase through the FTC's website.
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