Request Legal Help Now - Free

Advertisement
LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION

Concerns Raised about Toning Shoes

. By
New York, NYWhen it comes to dangerous shoes, most people probably think of six-inch stilettos as being the most dangerous thing out there, but according to some reports, the number of toning shoes injury complaints indicates that toning shoes and shape-up shoes might give stilettos a run for their money. Toning shoes lawsuits have been filed, alleging the shoes not only do not help people get in shape but can also cause serious injury to consumers.

It is not just consumers getting involved in lawsuits. In September 2011, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it was settling a lawsuit against Reebok, which alleged Reebok's marketing of EasyTone and RunTone shoes was deceptive. The FTC objected to marketing claims made by Reebok that the shoes would provide extra tone and strength to the wearer's leg and buttock muscles.

According to the FTC, Reebok made unsubstantiated claims that its toning shoes strengthen and tone muscles in the legs and buttocks more than regular shoes. Furthermore, the FTC argued, "Reebok falsely claimed that walking in EasyTone footwear had been proven to lead to 28 percent more strength and tone in the buttock muscles, 11 percent more strength and tone in the hamstring muscles, and 11 percent more strength and tone in the calf muscles than regular walking shoes."

The settlement involved Reebok paying $25 million, which will be used to refund consumers who purchased the shoes. The company is also barred from claiming that its shoes strengthen muscles unless there is scientific evidence of the claims. The FTC's lawsuit dealt only with false advertising claims and not with allegations that so-called shape-up shoes could cause serious injury.

Reebok said it stood behind its shoes and will continue to sell them. But some medical experts argue that the shoes can cause injury by changing how people walk. According to an article in USA Today (6/30/10), the shoes not only destabilize a person's gait but can cause strained Achilles tendons. Because of the lack of stability in the footwear, consumers are possibly at risk of rolling over their ankles, causing a serious sprain or even a break, some experts argue.

Meanwhile, consumers who already have walking problems—even if they do not realize it—or balance problems could reportedly be at increased risk of injury by wearing the shoes.

READ ABOUT TONING SHOES LAWSUITS

Toning Shoes Legal Help

If you or a loved one have suffered losses in this case, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a personal injury lawyer who may evaluate your Toning Shoes claim at no cost or obligation.

READER COMMENTS

Posted by

on
Since 1997, all shoes in AMERICA have CHANGED for the WORSE. There are NO athletic shoes today that I am aware of that SERVE & PROTECT your body from its daily impacts of walking, standing or running/jogging as intended even NEEDED...ABSOLUTELY NONE!! I consider myself the "BODY LISTENER" & I have been researching athletic shoes since 2006, my body has been aware & even speaking to me through many symptoms since BOOT CAMP training in 1999...From children/baby shoes to diabetic shoes to all athletic shoes I CHALLENGE any & all manufacturers, from NIKE to STRIDE RITES, they all ONCE had it, then they TRADED for the LESSOR quality countries/manufacturers & materials...they made cutbacks, changed all ingredients you could say for very POOR grade ingredients & much like restaurants that do this, their FOOD SUCKS as DO TODAY'S SHOES!!

Posted by

on
What is the status of this settlement? When and how will customers receive their refunds? I already submitted a refund request to Reebok, but have no idea what the ETA is.

ADD YOUR COMMENT ON THIS STORY

Please read our comment guidelines before posting.


Note: Your name will be published with your comment.


Your email will only be used if a response is needed.

Are you the defendant or a subject matter expert on this topic with an opposing viewpoint? We'd love to hear your comments here as well, or if you'd like to contact us for an interview please submit your details here.


Click to learn more about LawyersandSettlements.com

Request Legal Help Now! - Free