Arkansas, Oklahoma Part Of Settlement Over Shoe Claims

Arkansas and Oklahoma are among the 44 states and the District of Columbia to reach a settlement with Skechers USA Inc. over allegations of false advertising.

Attorneys general in both states said Wednesday that up to $40 million will be allocated for refunds to consumers who purchased the Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups and Resistance Runner shoes. Skechers also will pay an additional $5 million to states.

As part of the settlement with the states, Arkansas will receive $84,254 and Oklahoma will get 89,273.

The Federal Trade Commission alleged that Skechers falsely represented that clinical studies backed up the company's claims that its shoes would help people lose weight and strengthen their buttocks, leg and stomach muscles.

In Wednesday's court filing, Skechers says it disputes the charges and is pursuing additional studies.