Shape-Ups Sham
09/12/2012
Uncategorized
“Get in shape without setting foot in a gym.” It almost sounds too good to be true, and according to John Porcari Ph.D and his team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin, it is. “Don’t buy these shoes because of the claims that you’re going to tone your butt or burn more calories.” says Procari, “That’s absolutely wrong.” These statements rise after a large study consisting of 24 volunteers debunked the claims made in many of the advertisements for the toning shoe. According to the study, rather than increasing muscle activity, the shoes only target different muscles than traditional sneakers leaving you feeling sore. However, because the shoes aren’t really increasing muscle activity, you aren’t actually burning more calories and only feel the increased soreness for a few uses. Not only this, but the study also showed that after using the shoes for a long time it becomes extremely difficult to use traditional sneakers again.
This study opened a can of worms for Skechers, and a class action lawsuit was filed against the company for false advertising. To avoid a lengthy battle in court, Skechers president Michael Greenberg decided to settle for $40 million, rather small considering their estimated sales for the shoes reached $1.1 billion in 2010 alone. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering “How do I get a piece of that pie?” Due to the fact that these ads have been running for quite some time, it would be crazy to think that most people who bought these shoes still have a receipt of any kind. So, to make sure everyone who bought Shape-Ups receives their portion, claiming a refund relies mainly on the honor system. To qualify you had to have either bought Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, podded sole shoes, or resistance runners between August 1st, 2008 and August 13th, 2012. All you have to do is fill out a short claim form at skecherssettelment.com, mail it in, and receive up to $40 for each pair of Shape-Ups you bought.
There is also currently a mass tort being filed against Skechers consisting of more than 100 plaintiffs all claiming to have received injuries while wearing Shape-Ups. These injuries range from torn ligaments to a broken pelvis and even one person with a brain injury. The medical bills pile up to almost $1 million so far with more plaintiffs still joining. If you bought Shape-Ups in the past few years be sure to file your claim while you can. If you were injured wearing Shape-Ups and want more information on what to do go to http://www.estey-bomberger.com/practice-areas/defective-products/toning-shoes.