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    Reebok paying to settle charges over shoe claims

    Reebok EasyTone. Reebok International Ltd has agreed to pay $25 million to settle charges that it made unsupported claims that its Reebok EasyTone. Reebok International Ltd has agreed to pay $25 million to settle charges that it made unsupported …By Diane Bartz in Washington and Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bangalore | Reuters

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Reebok International Ltd has agreed to pay $25 million to settle charges that it made unsupported claims that its "toning shoes" provide extra muscle strength, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Wednesday.

    The money will go toward consumer refunds.

    Reebok advertisements said the shoes strengthened hamstrings and calves by up to 11 percent more than regular sneakers, and toned the buttocks by up to 28 percent more, the FTC said.

    "To its credit, Reebok pulled these ads sometime in the middle of our investigation," David Vladeck, head of the FTC's Consumer Protection Bureau.

    More on the truth about toning shoes and other fitness gear that doesn't work

    Toning shoes are designed to be slightly unstable. Makers of such shoes often say the instability requires the wearer to work harder, thus strengthening muscles.

    "We did get consumer complaints. We watch TV. We read the newspapers," said Vladeck. "There is no such thing as a no-work, no-sweat way to a fit and healthy body."

    Adidas, which owns Reebok, said in a statement that it disagreed with the FTC and stood behind the shoes.

    Kim and Kortney Kardashian modeling the Reebok EasyTone in 2009. (WireImage/Todd Williamson)Kim and Kortney Kardashian modeling the Reebok EasyTone in 2009. (WireImage/Todd Will …"The (FTC) allegations suggested that the testing we conducted did not substantiate certain claims used in the advertising of our EasyTone line of products," Adidas said. "In order to avoid a protracted legal battle, Reebok has chosen to settle with the FTC. Settling does not mean we agreed with the FTC's allegations; we do not."

    The company added, "We stand behind our EasyTone technology -- the first shoe in the toning category that was inspired by balance-ball training."

    Related: 25 ways to make time for fitness

    A variety of companies advertise toning shoes, including New Balance, Skechers, Ryka and Avia.

    Skechers acknowledged in an August filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that the FTC was looking at its advertisements for its Shape-ups and other toning shoes.

    The FTC said Reebok began making the claims about its EasyTone and RunTone shoes in early 2009, and provided statistics about the purported benefits of the shoes.

    The refunds to customers will be made available either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class-action lawsuit, the agency said.

    (Reporting by Diane Bartz in Washington and Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bangalore; editing by Gerald E. McCormick and John Wallace)

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    369 comments

    • AllisonA  •  7 months ago
      Sorry but if you're dumb enough to buy these shoes, you don't deserve a refund. Barefoot is the way to go!
    • mary  •  7 months ago
      It just goes to show how ignorant people are to believe a SHOE can cure their fitness issues.
    • Another Girl  •  7 months ago
      I own a pair of the Reebok toning shoes but only paid $60 for them- they have the foam support pair instead of air. While they don't have a direct impact on my thighs- I can feel the calves and shin area tense up more than with regular tennis shoes. Also, they help relieve the uneven weight distribution to my feet. I think they were worth the money, even if it's not for the original reason they were made. Yay comfort :)
    • MsHeather  •  7 months ago
      Yes false advertisement is wrong, but come on people, really ??? your going to sue a shoe company because the shoe itself won't "Tone" you, or get you into shape? if you are that concerned with your weight or getting "Toned", get your lazy butts up and get out and walk or go to the gym. I am not in perfect shape, but I'm also not mad or going to sue a shoe company because they made false claims about my "a$$" not getting any tighter or smaller. That is "OUR" responsibility, not a pair of shoes. That's like these stupid idiots sueing Mcdonalds because their "Supersize" items made them obese! PA LEASE!!!!! At some point and time, people have got to learn to take their actions into account and be accountable.
    • jimmy  •  7 months ago
      i think too many people wanted the shoes to do all the work. nothing comes without some effort.
    • hose b  •  7 months ago
      What kind of shoes does a chickin wear? Reeboc boc boc boc doc!
    • ElizabethP  •  7 months ago
      Really? People thought they could wear a pair of shoes and become fit? Use your brains.
    • Larry  •  7 months ago
      I have bought three pair of the shape up flip flops and I love wearing them. How do we find out about getting a refund. The shoes are very comfortable.
    • Jean-Vart  •  7 months ago
      The models above in the news look like street hookers
    • fuzzy  •  7 months ago
      how about all the other brands of toning shoes?
    • pb  •  7 months ago
      I honestly mean no disrespect to those that have purchased these shoes. However I have a hard time understanding how and why ppl fell for this rubbish. If your really want to "tone up", work out!
    • ChristineR  •  7 months ago
      I like the shoes because I walk very, very heavy and will buy them as long as possible. They are wonderful for both my feet and my grown daughter's feet and we will continue to buy them. For all you people that DON"T like them, if you wear size 8 1/2 or 9 1/2 please send the shoes our way and we will gratefully wear them!!!
    • 1979  •  7 months ago
      That is weird, because I have these shoes, and I love them, I take 5 mile walks with them and they have helped me tone up more than when I was just wearing regular tennis shoes, I honestly think these women were eating unhealthy and wearing these, and that is the reason they id nto work. All of the girls in my family have them, mom, 2 sisters, sister in law, and myself, and we love them.
    • Twoartistic  •  7 months ago
      These shoes are awesome, it's what you do wearing them that
      reshape your body! Anybody knows that! Reebok rocks! No
      refund for me, I'm wearing them now...on my way to the gym!
    • Laurel  •  7 months ago
      I can't believe there are actually people who are going to return these shoes because they didn't tone their legs up. Seriously. If you're dumb enough to believe a pair of shoes will get your legs nice and toned with no extra effort on your part, you should live with your own stupidity. I bought a pair of these not expecting huge results but figured eh, every little bit counts. Personally, I love them. I find them incredibly comfortable, I've gone hiking in them, I go to the gym with them, they're great sneakers but not miracle workers. I did feel a little extra in my legs when I first started wearing them but obviously my body has adjusted since then. I have heard that people have had medical issues with these sneakers and while I can't imagine why since I don't think they're off-balance enough to cause physical injury (like I said, I've hiked with them), I could certainly understand refunds in that situation. If you're looking for a refund because the shoes didn't give you a great butt how about spending that time trying to be a little less naive. I'm sorry for being so harsh but I'm just sick of people laying blame everywhere without even bothering to critique themselves first.
    • anon  •  7 months ago
      The pair I have has definitely worked, plus I've gotten some extra benefits. I've had some minor hip pain since starting highschool, thanks to me being a tiny, unborn contortionist, and the soles on my easytones have provided the right amount of firmness and bounce to get rid of my day to day aching. Thank you Reebok. :)
    • lulu989  •  7 months ago
      High heels don't necessarily make a short fat women look taller or sexier. They should sue too!
    • khmasrey  •  7 months ago
      You idiots complain just for the purpose of complain, hope they will take the business to China so they can own everything since suing happy go lucky will make me shell out more doe when I purchase any product from companies that are sued.
    • SELENA D  •  7 months ago
      I bought 2 pairs of the Reebok easy tone shoes and I am pissed! Why do they allow these companies to take consumers money with false claims? Why are these claims not validated before these companies are allowed to put items on the market. It is not fair! How Dare You Reebok. I guess I will be sticking to the Classic White Reebok's that be on sell for $29.00. What a waste of money! 2 pairs @ $100.00+ tax a piece........Wow, Reebok Easy Tones!
    • James  •  7 months ago
      Honestly it the gullible customers that are at fault. It is an Advertisement to try and get you to buy their product. Should I jump of my house and sue red bull because it didn't give me wings?

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