Were you disappointed that you didn’t get the firm butt Reebok’s EasyTone shoes promised? Then you'll be happy to hear that the Federal Trade Commission has secured a $25 million class action lawsuit settlement with Reebok International Ltd. to provide consumer refunds for making deceptive advertising claims. The Reebok EasyTone settlement also applies to those who purchased EasyTone apparel.

The FTC says the Reebok EasyTone class action lawsuit settlement is part of its “ongoing effort to stem overhyped advertising claims” after it charged Reebok with deceptively advertising that its EasyTone “toning shoes” would provide extra tone and strength to leg and buttock muscles.  

“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.

That’s good news for consumers, who have filed several class action lawsuits against athletic apparel companies for making bogus claims that their workout gear can sculpt and tone muscles. (See “Sketchers Shape-Ups Class Action Lawsuit,” “New Balance Toning Shoe Class Action” and “Fila Body Toning System Class Action Lawsuit.”)

The FTC alleges in the Reebok EasyTone class action lawsuit that 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 muscles more than regular shoes. The EasyTone class action 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.

Under the Reebok EasyTone class action 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.

The Reebok EasyTone settlement will also provide refunds to consumers who purchased EasyTone shoes (including EasyTone Flip, RunTone, TrainTone, JumpTone, SimplyTone and SlimTone) and EasyTone apparel (including EasyTone Capri, Pants, Shorts, Long Bra Top, Sleeveless Shirt and Short Sleeve Top).

The refund amount you can receive from the EasyTone settlement depends on how many people file eligible claims, but the guys at FrugalDesertDwellers.com say the amount could be around $50 for each pair of eligible shoes, $40 for each EasyTone Capri and EasyTone Pants purchased, and $25 for each EasyTone Sleeveless Shirt, Long Bra Top and Short Sleeve Top purchased. These amounts could be more (up to double!) or less, depending on how many eligible claims are paid out.

Apparently, no proof of purchase is necessary to file a claim unless you’re submitting a refund request of more than $200. But you will have to sign under penalty of perjury that you actually purchased the products you’re claiming a refund for.

You can file your claim to receive a refund from the FTC Reebok EasyTone Class Action Lawsuit Settlement at www.ReebokSettlement.com/FTC.

The FTC also suggests (in a nice way, of course) to not be so gullible when believing advertising claims for work-out gear and exercise equipment by suggesting you read “How’s that Work-Out Working Out? Tips on Buying Fitness Gear.”