LOS ANGELES — The Federal Trade Commission said Wednesday that Skechers USA will pay $40 million to settle charges that the shoe company deceived consumers with unfounded claims that its “Shape-ups” could help people lose weight while strengthening and toning buttocks, legs and abdominal muscles.
In addition to the penalty, consumers who bought the shoes are entitled to refunds, the FTC said.
“Skechers’ unfounded claims went beyond stronger and more toned muscles,” said David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.”The company even made claims about weight loss and cardiovascular health.”
Vladeck warned that the “message, for Skechers and other national advertisers, is to shape up your substantiation or tone down your claims.”
In recent trading shares of Skechers were down 0.8 percent at $18.11.
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