Skechers USA, Inc. fired back last week against critics and lawsuits challenging the fitness claims of its Shape-Ups toning footwear, citing multiple research studies and customer testimonials backing the efficacy of rocker-bottom shoes.
The company said that two recently-filed civil class actions challenging the fitness claims were both brought against the company by single plaintiffs and are “completely baseless.”
According to a release by Skechers, the complaints, Tamara Grabowski v. Skechers USA, Inc. and Sonia Stalker v. Skechers USA, Inc., allege that the company’s advertising for Shape-ups violates California law. The complaints, which were filed respectively on June 18 and July 2, are in the early stages and Skechers affirmed it will “mount a vigorous defense.”
“While the company does not usually comment on pending litigation and seeks to vindicate itself in court the company believes that the lawsuits are inconsistent with numerous scientific studies, including studies cited in one of the lawsuits,” said Anthony Glassman, a spokesperson for Skechers.
He added that Skechers has received thousands of letters from fully satisfied customers, including hundreds of reviews and amateur videos that have been posted on the Internet by customers praising Shape-ups shoes and declaring that they have received the benefits described in Skechers’ advertising.
“We believe the sheer volume of this unsolicited positive feedback received is a clear indication that the vast majority of consumers are satisfied and do not feel they have been misled,” Glassman said.
SKX shares fell 17.3% for the week, closing at $17.39 on Friday.
