• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, May 16, 2012

Skechers USA, Inc. has agreed to pay $40 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company deceived consumers by making unsubstantiated claims in its advertising that its Shape-ups foot gear would help people lose weight and strengthen and tone their buttocks, leg and abdominal muscles.

The FTC also alleged that Skechers made deceptive claims about its Resistance Runner, Toners and Tone-ups shoes.

Consumers who purchased any of these toning shoes can file for refunds through the FTC (www.ftc.gov) or through a court-approved class-action lawsuit. 

The FTC settlement is part of a broader agreement, also being announced today, resolving a multi-state investigation that was led by the attorneys general of Tennessee and Ohio, and included AG's from 42 other states plus the District of Columbia.

In announcing the FTC settlement with Skechers, David Vladeck, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said: "The FTC's message, for Skechers an other national advertisers, is to shape up your substantiation or tone down your claims."