Skechers, a shoe company headquartered in nearby Manhattan Beach, California, is facing allegations of misleading consumers with its Skechers Shape-Ups brand shoe and attached marketing campaign. Skechers touts clinical trials and testimonials in supporting its claims that wearing Shapes-Ups can improve posture, tone and firm muscles, and burn more calories than normal tennis shoes.

Reports concluded there is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone. Not only have many fitness specialists refuted those claims and say the shoes fail to live up to the promises made by shoe manufacturers, but many are warning of potential dangers to wearing toning shoes. Consumers are claiming sore calves, knees, or hips without the desired results.

The American Council on Exercise commissioned a study by the University of Wisconsin to determine if toning shoes like the Skecher Shape-Ups are effective and safe. The study concluded that the shoes do not provide the benefits advertised. Additionally, some physicians question their safety because of the way they de-stabilize the foot and alter gait. There have been many injuries reported across the nation as a result of toning shoes such as broken ankles or broken hips. Lawsuits have been filed in several states accusing Skechers of making false claims about the physiological benefits of wearing Shape-Ups, including weight loss, firmer muscles, reduced cellulite and improved circulation and posture. They also say Shape-Ups increases the likelihood of injury, such as broken ankles, pulled hamstrings and a permanent change of the user's gait.

If you feel Skechers falsely advertised the benefits of their shoes or if you have been injured while wearing toning shoes such as Skechers Shape-Ups, you should report this injury to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and contact our law offices at 213.596.6000 to seek damages and refunds.