Reebok Refund: $25M on Reebok EasyTone and RunTone Shoes
Reebok refund to its EasyTone and RunTone shoes customers reaches to $25 million as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over deceptive advertising.
According to the FTC complaint, which was filed in federal court Wednesday, September 28, Reebok falsely asserted specific numerical claims, saying, for example, that walking in EasyTone shoes had been proven to lead to 11 percent greater strength and tone in hamstring muscles than regular walking shoes.
"Marketing campaigns, no matter how clever, sexy or funny, must start and must stick with product claims that are substantiated," David Vladeck, FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection Director said in a news conference.
However, Reebok International Ltd. defended its shoes and EasyTone technology in a statement.
"Settling does not mean we agree with the FTC's allegations; we do not. We have received overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback from thousands of EasyTone customers, and we remain committed to the further development of our EasyTone line of products."
The Company has also stopped manufacturing boxes and promotional materials with the deceptive claims, Vladeck said. Under the terms of the settlement, the company is barred from making claims about the efficacy of its toning shoes on muscle strength unless backed by scientific evidence. It is also prohibited from misrepresenting tests, studies or research about toning shoes.
Consumers who purchased Reebok's toning shoes and apparel can go to ftc.gov/reebok to apply for refunds. The process will be overseen by a federal judge.
According to the FTC complaint, which was filed in federal court Wednesday, September 28, Reebok falsely asserted specific numerical claims, saying, for example, that walking in EasyTone shoes had been proven to lead to 11 percent greater strength and tone in hamstring muscles than regular walking shoes.
"Marketing campaigns, no matter how clever, sexy or funny, must start and must stick with product claims that are substantiated," David Vladeck, FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection Director said in a news conference.
However, Reebok International Ltd. defended its shoes and EasyTone technology in a statement.
"Settling does not mean we agree with the FTC's allegations; we do not. We have received overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback from thousands of EasyTone customers, and we remain committed to the further development of our EasyTone line of products."
The Company has also stopped manufacturing boxes and promotional materials with the deceptive claims, Vladeck said. Under the terms of the settlement, the company is barred from making claims about the efficacy of its toning shoes on muscle strength unless backed by scientific evidence. It is also prohibited from misrepresenting tests, studies or research about toning shoes.
Consumers who purchased Reebok's toning shoes and apparel can go to ftc.gov/reebok to apply for refunds. The process will be overseen by a federal judge.
