In a lawsuit this weekend involving popular sneaker company Reebok International Ltd., part of Adidas AG,  The Federal Trade Commission sued Reebok because their popular toning shoes do not actual tone customers’ bodies as advertised.

Reebok did claim that their EasyTone line of shoes would result in 28% more strength and tone in the buttock muscles and 11 percent more strength in the hamstring and calf muscles.  Reebok did not concede that these claims were not true, merely stated that they chose to settle with the FTC, to circumvent a legal battle.

New Balance and Skechers have also been accused of such erroneous claims regarding their lines of similar shoes.  This blog spoke about these suits earlier this year.

Those customers unsatisfied with their shoes may request a refund.

This case begs the question whether or not it was worth it to settle.  Whereas the FTC believes this was a victory for the consumers they represent, Reebok disagrees.  The FTC feels that cases like this will prevent companies from asserting incorrect claims.  Meanwhile, Reebok sites judicial economy and consumer’s rights as their reasoning for settling.  They note they completed necessary scientific research, and marketed their product accordingly.

So did the FTC protect the consumer, or are they over litigious?