Skechers Shape-Ups Injury Lawsuits. Did you break a hip or other bone while wearing Skechers Shape-Ups toning shoes? Skechers Shape-Ups and other similar toning shoes have become incredibly popular because of claims the specialty sneakers can help wearers get in shape without having to step foot in a gym. But some in the medical field have recently issued warnings that toning shoes like Skechers Shape-Ups can result in a serious foot or leg injury. Some users of Skechers Shape-Ups have reportedly suffered broken hips and broken ankles, among other injuries, while using the shoes. Besides Shape-ups, Skechers also made deceptive claims about its Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes, the FTC alleged.
Our Skechers Shape-Ups injury lawyers are investigating claims of injuries related to these and other toning shoes. If you or a loved one suffered a broken hip, broken ankle, stress fracture, or Achilles tendonitis that could be the result of wearing toning shoes like Skechers Shape-Ups, we want to hear from you. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages. For a free legal evaluation of your case, please call one of our Skechers Shape-Ups injury lawyers today.
Skechers Rocker Bottom Toning Shoe Injuries
The makers of Skechers Shape-Ups and similar toning shoes claim these products can help you get in shape without having to use a gym. According to advertising for these shoes, they are specifically designed to simulate walking barefoot or walking on an uneven surface, such as sand. Manufacturers claim that the unstable shoe design forces wearers to use their leg muscles more, resulting in toner muscles and more calories spent with every step.
Consumers are buying into the hype: In the first three quarters of 2010, they spent approximately $579 million on toning shoes, which is up from $145 million for all of 2009, according to the market-research group NPD Group. Skechers was the market leader in the toning footwear category. Industry shoe sales peaked in 2010, with sales close to $1 billion. Shape-up fitness shoes, which Skechers introduced in April 2009, cost consumers about $100 a pair. Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups became available in mid-2010, and retailed for $60 to $100 a pair. Kardashian, Burke and other celebrities endorsed the shoes in Skechers ads.
The claims made by the makers of shoes like Skechers Shape-Ups have not, however, convinced many in the medical community. The American Council on Exercise commissioned a study by the University of Wisconsin to determine if toning shoes like the Skechers Shape-Ups are effective and safe. The study concluded that the shoes do not provide the benefits advertised:
- “Across the board, none of the toning shoes showed statistically significant increases in either exercise response or muscle activation during any of the treadmill trials,” ACE says. “There is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone.”
Additionally, some physicians question their safety because of the way the shoes de-stabilize the foot and alter gait.
There is a real risk that toning shoes can cause injuries in some people, and they may cause falls in which additional injury can occur.  The shoes can be a particular problem for older consumers or those who have difficulty keeping their balance.
According to a recent USA Today article, shoes like Skechers Shape-Ups can cause strained Achilles tendons.
One women who wore the shoes told USA Today that she suffered a broken ankle after awkwardly rolling over the outside of her foot during her first mile-long walk in Skechers Shape-Ups shoes. Injuries that may be caused by Skechers Shape-Ups and similar toning shoes include:
- Stress fractures in ankles, knees and legs
- Trimalleolar fractures
- Broken hips or legs
- Broken bones
- Broken ankles
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Ruptured Achilles tendons
- Other serious injuries requiring surgery
Shape-Ups models that are part of the claim are:
- Shape-ups Evolution
- Shape-ups Extended Fitness X F
- Shape-ups Extended Wear X W
- Shape-ups Kinetix S R T
- Shape-ups Originals
- Shape-ups S2 Lite
- Shape-ups Toners
- Shape-ups Trainers
- Shape-ups Work Slip Resistant
- Skechers Tone-Ups
- Skechers Toning Shoes
- Skechers Toner Shoes
- Skechers rocker sole shoe
- Skechers rocker bottom shoe
- Skechers round bottom shoe
- Skechers rounded sole shoe
- Skechers toning shoes
- Skechers Resistance Runner
Need Legal Help Regarding Skechers Shape-Ups?
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
