What would you do if you got duped into buying a product that didn't do everything it promised? Would you sue? The Federal Trade Commission figured they would and have reached a settlement with Reebok for a reported $25M settlement due to false advertisement.
The settlement is the result of key adverts Reebok displayed for all to see, ie women looking to upgrade their bums from Paris Hilton to a Pippa Middleton eye-grabber. Guys were also subject to the lies and deceit. How many guys bought their lady the Reebok EasyTone and RunTone products in exchange for seeing Kardashian improvements?
"Reebok made unsupported claims in advertisements that walking in its EasyTone shoes and running in its RunTone running shoes strengthen and tone key leg and buttock (gluteus maximus) muscles more than regular shoes. The FTC's complaint also alleges that Reebok falsely claimed that walking in EasyTone footwear had been proven to lead to 28 percent more strength and tone in the buttock muscles, 11 percent more strength and tone in the hamstring muscles, and 11 percent more strength and tone in the calf muscles than regular walking shoes.” -- Federal Trade Commission
Reebok did agree to the settlement, but strongly stuck to their claims of visible results.
"We stand behind our EasyTone technology - the first shoe in the toning category that was inspired by balance-ball training...Settling does not mean we agree with the FTC's allegations; we do not. Our customers are our number one priority, and we will continue to deliver products that they trust and love."
Reebok promoted the bejesus out of the two lines.
"Reebok worked with ad agency DDB on campaigns for the products. It spent $23 million, or more than 80% of its total measured-media budget on advertising EasyTone in 2009, according to Kantar Media. In 2010, the athletic brand devoted $31 million to marketing EasyTone. And in the first half of this year it spent $10 million marketing toning products. And that's just in the U.S." -- AdAge
Skechers better watch out. If you or your booty were misled by false advertising and purchased EasyTone shoes claim your refund by clicking here.