Sketchers Shape-Ups and other similar toning shoes have become incredibly popular because of claims the specialty sneakers can help wearers get in shape without having to step foot into a gym. Although sales of the “rocker design toning” shoes have reached a billion dollars in the last several years so has the increase in the number of injury reports to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Other brands named in injury reports filed with the CPSC include Avia, Champion, Danskin Now, and New Balance.
[1] Doctors are warning that the popular toning shoes are deliberately designed to cause instability and the unstable sole of the shoes increases the risk of tripping and falling while the rocker action can disrupt normal gait patterns. According to Consumer Reports and the Consumer Product Safety Commission that instability can result in
- sprains
- tendinitis
- joint damage
- broken bones
- fractures
[2] Complaints of injuries reported to www.saferproducts.gov from wearing toning shoes include tore ligaments, compression fractures, and ankle rollings that led to necessary surgeries.
[3] In May of this year, “Sketchers was delivered a $40 million dollar reality check — the amount they’ll have to pay out to settle charges from the Federal Trade Commission for making unfounded claims,” according to the Huffington Post.
Earlier this year, Reebok agreed to pay $25 million dollars to settle claims from the Federal Trade Commission that they deceptively marketed their toning shoes.
The FTC complained that Reebok deceptively advertised that their “Easy Tone” 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 .
[4] If you or a loved one has been injured by a deceptively marketed product, contact Schibell Law today for a confidential and free case evaluation. We hold negligent companies responsible for injures their products cause. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 732-774-1000 for a free legal consultation.
[3] http://www.saferproducts.gov/Search/Result.aspx?dm=0&q=toning+shoes&srt=0
