Press Release

Skechers Settles Charges That It Deceptively Advertised Rocker-Bottomed Shoes

May 16, 2012

Anchorage, Alaska - Today the State of Alaska, with 44 other states and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), settled claims that Skechers USA deceptively advertised certain models of its athletic shoes. The states and the FTC alleged that Skechers lacked proof of the health benefits it said came from wearing Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, and the Skechers Resistance Runner shoes. 

In its advertising, Skechers claimed that these shoes, with rounded or “rocker-bottomed” soles, would help consumers lose weight and strengthen muscles. The states and the FTC charged that Skechers lacked proof of these health benefits.

Under the settlement, Skechers is prohibited from making further health claims unless it has adequate scientific support for them. Skechers will establish a $40 million fund for consumer refunds, and will pay an additional $5 million to the states. Alaska’s share of the payment to the states is $71,000.

Consumers who have purchased Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, or the Skechers Resistance Runner should go to www.ftc.gov/skechers or call, toll-free, 1-866-325-4186 for information about how to obtain a partial refund. The refund amount will not be for the full price because the shoes continue to have functionality, even if they fail to provide the health benefits advertised by Skechers. 

For more information about the settlement, please contact Assistant Attorney General Cynthia Drinkwater at 269-5200. Consumers who have complaints about unsubstantiated health or advertising claims or about other unfair or deceptive business practices are encouraged to file complaints with the Consumer Protection Unit. Complaint forms are available at www.law.alaska.gov/consumer or by calling 269-5200, or outside of Anchorage, 1-888-576-2529.

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.