Idaho and Washington consumers who purchased certain athletic shoes can apply for partial refunds resulting from a $45 million legal settlement over the manufacturer’s unsubstantiated claims of fitness for the wearers.
The Federal Trade Commission, 44 states and the District of Columbia settled with Skechers USA over allegations the company claimed its rocker-bottom shoes caused consumers to lose weight and improve muscle strength and tone, without adequate substantiation. The settlement prohibits Skechers from making those claims, unless it has adequate substantiation to do so.
As part of the settlement, Skechers does not admit any wrongdoing and denies the allegations made by the Attorneys General.
Up to $40 million is being allocated for refunds to consumers who purchased the shoes. An additional $5 million will be paid to the states for attorney fees and other costs of investigation and litigation.
Consumers who purchased Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, or Skechers Resistance Runner shoes may seek payment from the settlement by going to www.ftc.gov for information on how to file a claim.
The state of Idaho receives $76,000, while Washington gets $117,000.
