Reebok to Pay Refunds Over Toning Shoes’ Deceptive Ads, FTC Says

If you bought Reebok toning shoes, you may be getting some of your money back. Reebok is now paying refunds over the toning shoes after settling with the FTC for "deceptive advertising." The settlement is a whopping $25 million.

Reebok's EasyTone walking shoes and RunTone shoes cost between $80-100 a pair. EasyTone flip flops set consumers back $60.

Reebok claimed the shoes had special technology that strengthens muscles while walking. The company even cited statistics to back up the shoe's health claims.

Reebok's ads touted 28% more muscle toning for buttock muscles compared to regular shoes. The company also said it provided 11% more toning in calf and hamstring muscles.

All of these statistics were unfounded, as an FTC investigation found no scientific evidence of toning.

The FTC says that companies like Reebok need to ensure their advertising claims are backed up with real science. Reebok is now barred from making claims that their EasyTone and RunTone shoes tone up muscles until they have proof.

Reebok isn't the only company that has advertised "toning" shoes. Skechers also produce such shoes. Experts have routinely questioned the purported benefits of wearing these shoes. They say that the clunky footwear can even cause injuries.

Consumers can get a piece of the $25 million Reebok refund for their toning shoes by applying on the FTC website. Consumers who purchased a pair of Reebok toning shoes starting December 5, 2008 are eligible. The size of the refund will depend on how many consumers apply, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Related Resources:

• Reebok Forced to Refund Customers for ‘Toning Shoes’ That Don’t Work (New York Magazine)
• Advertising Do's and Don'ts (FindLaw)
• New Balance Suit: Buyers Remain Fat, Not Tone (FindLaw's Injured)
• Publishers Clearing House to Pay in Deceptive Marketing Case (FindLaw's Common Law)