FitFlops - shock, horror are a scam

Computersaysno

I notice that Martin is pumping a deal on FitFlops on the latest newsletter.

Just wanted to make sure everyone knows that they don't actually do anything useful wrt toning etc.

Reebok had similar stuff in America [magic toning shoes] and recently settled a multi-million $ settlement.

None of these magic toning shoes work...they are all a complete load of bollix.

They are up there with the 'ion balance band' and herbalife as regards mumbo-jumbo cr4pola.

Computersaysno

Reebok to Pay $25 Million in Customer Refunds To Settle FTC Charges of Deceptive Advertising of EasyTone and RunTone Shoes


Settlement Order Prohibits Reebok from Making Unsupported Claims that ‘Toning Shoes’ Strengthen, Tone Muscles


In its ongoing effort to stem overhyped advertising claims, the Federal Trade Commission announced that Reebok International Ltd. has agreed to resolve charges that the company deceptively advertised “toning shoes,” which it claimed would provide extra tone and strength to leg and buttock muscles. Reebok will pay $25 million as part of the settlementagreement. The funds will be made available for consumer refunds either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class action lawsuit. Consumers who bought Reebok toning shoes or toning apparel can submit a claim here.

“The FTC wants national advertisers to understand that they must exercise some responsibility and ensure that their claims for fitness gear are supported by sound science,” said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Consumers should carefully evaluate advertising claims for work-out gear and exercise equipment. For more information see: How's that Work-out Working Out? Tips on Buying Fitness Gear.

Reebok’s EasyTone walking shoes and RunTone running shoes have retailed for $80 to $100 a pair, while EasyTone flip flops have retailed for about $60 a pair. Ads for the shoes claimed that sole technology featuring pockets of moving air creates “micro instability” that tones and strengthens muscles as you walk or run.

According to the FTC complaint, 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.

Beginning in early 2009, Reebok made its claims through print, television, and Internet advertisements, the FTC alleged. The claims also appeared on shoe boxes and displays in retail stores. One television ad featured a very fit woman explaining to an audience the benefits of Reebok EasyTone toning shoes. She picks up a shoe from a display and points to a chart showing the muscles that benefit from use of the shoes, while a video camera continues to focus on her buttocks. She says the shoes are proven to strengthen hamstrings and calves by up to 11 percent, and that they tone the buttocks “up to 28 percent more than regular sneakers, just by walking.”

Under the settlement, Reebok is barred from:

• making claims that toning shoes and other toning apparel are effective in strengthening muscles, or that using the footwear will result in a specific percentage or amount of muscle toning or strengthening, unless the claims are true and backed by scientific evidence;
• making any health or fitness-related efficacy claims for toning shoes and other toning apparel unless the claims are true and backed by scientific evidence; and
• misrepresenting any tests, studies, or research results regarding toning shoes and other toning apparel.

Bennifred

They are extremely comfortable, even so!

doolaalee

Have never worn fit flops,but have numerous pairs of Reebok easy tones,they are really comfortable,I used to suffer with aching legs,knees and hips but since I started wearing them I don't suffer at all.I never believed the hype about toning anyway I just hope they continue to sell them

Computersaysno

I wasn't saying they weren't comfortable...merely that they are not 'toning' [or for that matter do anything other than separate your feet from the ground, lol].

jacques_chirac

Computersaysno wrote: »

I wasn't saying they weren't comfortable...merely that they are not 'toning' [or for that matter do anything other than separate your feet from the ground, lol].

I don't think people buy them for the toning claims, but more for the relief they can give to those with plantar fasciitis. I don't know if this is clinically proven, but the wealth of anecdotal evidence is too great to ignore.

comeandgo

I have used Herbalife products and they do work too, pity I cant afford them anymore.

AnnieO1234

I'm wearing fitflops right now. Do they tone? No idea. But the comfort level means I can walk and walk and walk instead of being crippled after a mile or so. For me therefore they certainly encourage more exercise through walking.

X

wealdroam

Computersaysno, is this a consumer rights issue or a rant that would be better suited to the Praise, Vent & Warnings board?

Wicked_witch

I've always assumed they were a scam but if they are good for plantar fascitis I will have to look into them!

A friends of mine has lost a lot of weight on herbalife (although I can't say how much she'd have lost on say, Slimming world for eg) but then the woman who sells it to her and also claims to be a life coach is morbidly obese, so the jury's out on that one!

fluffnutter

Lynx deodorant always makes out you're gonna get loads of shags if you wear it. There's a fine line between out-and-out scam and just bigging up your product.

No doubt the supporters of all that homeopathy shite insist there are studies proving its efficacy. Perhaps the manufacturers of shoes with fat soles can do the same.