Reebok to Pay $25 Million to its Customers
 |
September 30, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Sports company Reebok International Ltd. has agreed to refund customers after the controversial advertising of its EasyTone and RunTone Shoes.
Footwear and Sports-related products company Reebok has been requested to pay $25 million in customer refunds to settle charges of the “deceptive advertising” of EasyTone and RunTone shoes.
According to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) complaint, Reebok produced a number of misleading advertisements which led customers to believe that walking in its EasyTone shoes and running in its RunTone shoes could strengthen and tone key leg and buttock muscles more than regular shoes. Moreover, The FTC’s complaint focused on how the advertisements claimed that walking in EasyTone footwear had been proved to cause 28% more strength and tone in the buttock muscles, 11% more strength and tone in the hamstring muscles and 11% more strength and tone in the calf muscles than regular walking shoes.
“The FTC wants national advertisers to understand that they must exercise some responsibility and ensure that their claims for fitness gear are supported by sound science,” said David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Since 2009 Reebok has made its claims through print, television and internet advertisements, according to the FTC.
Following what was established by the settlement, Reebok will be barred from making claims that the toning shoes are effective in strengthening muscles; producing specific percentages backing its claims; making any health or fitness related efficacy claims for toning shoes; and misrepresenting any tests, studies or research results regarding toning shoes.
By Rosaria Sgueglia
[Image courtesy of lism]
