Skechers Will Pay $40M to Settle FTC Charges of Deceptive Ads

The Federal Trade Commission announced that Skechers USA, Inc. has agreed to pay $40 million to settle charges that it deceived consumers by making unfounded claims that Shape-ups would help people lose weight and strengthen and tone their buttocks, legs and abdominal muscles. Consumers who bought these "toning" shoes will be eligible for refunds either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class-action lawsuit. The settlement with the FTC is part of a broader agreement also being announced today resolving a multistate investigation which included attorneys general from 44 states and the District of Columbia.