Judge OKs Class Action Settlement Over Skechers Ads

A federal judge has approved a $40 million class action settlement between Skechers USA Inc. and consumers who bought toning shoes after ads made unfounded claims that the footwear would help people lose weight and strengthen muscles.

U.S. District Judge Thomas B. Russell approved the deal Monday in Louisville. The agreement covers more than 520,000 claims. Those with approved claims will be able to get a maximum repayment for their purchase – up to $80 per pair of Shape-Ups; $84 per pair of Resistance Runner shoes; up to $54 per pair of Podded Sole Shoes; and $40 per pair for Tone-Ups.

Russell also awarded $5 million in attorneys’ fees in the case.

The approval comes a year after Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based Skechers reached a deal with the Federal Trade Commission over the ads.