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2013-11-06 18:42:49
"We think this is a real victory for consumers," said Dana Barragate, an FTC attorney involved in the case. "We hope it sends a message to businesses that if they are going to make claims they must be justified."
Shoe makers, including Reebok, have funded studies and say they have anecdotal evidence that proves they are effective. Several experts have questioned their validity and the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit fitness organization, conducted a study that found toning shoes failed to live up to the claims of shoe makers. However, the council said the shoes could be beneficial to one's health if they motivate people to get moving.
Christopher Svezia, with the Susquehanna Financial Group, said many shoemakers have changed their advertising approach as criticism has mounted. "The emphasis has moved to fitness instead of making these kinds of claims and promises," he said. "The question is who is next and how much is it going to cost them."
The industry has faced other issues. There have been some injuries reported by wearers who have found themselves with shin splints, twisted ankles and sore muscles from the new gear and motions. Shoe makers suggest new wearers ease into wearing them.
Toning shoes were once the fastestgrowing segment in the footwear industry, but recently lost some ground. SportsOne Source Group said that the $1.1 billion market of 2010 is expected to fall about 40 percent to $650 million in 2011 after Skechers flooded the market with products, forcing prices down. However, SportsOne Source said the number of shoes sold is only expected to fall 5 percent, suggesting there is still fairly strong demand.
Rebecca Sayre of Seattle, who bought a pair of Skechers more than a year ago, said they made her legs stronger and posture better. But, she says: "They've lost their luster."
25 on Greek fears
The euro fell below $1.25 for the first time Friday in nearly two years on concerns that Europe won't be able to keep Greece in the single currency union.
The euro fell to $1.2518 late Friday from $1.2525 late Thursday. The euro fell as low as $1.2495 in morning trading, its lowest level since July 2010. It fell 2 percent this week and over 5 percent so far this month.
Traders are concerned that Greece will have to leave the euro if parties opposed to the terms of the country's financial rescue win an election next month. Those parties were favored in early May, but Greek leaders were unable to form a new government.
The uncertainty could push the euro as low as $1.20 ahead of the June 17 Greek elections, Kathy Lien, director of research at currency trading company GFT said in a note to clients.
In other trading Friday, the dollar rose to 79.66 Japanese yen from 79.58 yen. It also rose to 0.9595 Swiss franc from 0.9590 Swiss franc and to 1.0295 Canadian dollar from 1.0282 Canadian dollar.
The British pound rose to $1.5658 from $1.5652.
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