Why Did Skechers Stop Making Shape Ups?

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

If you were a fan of Skechers Shape Ups, you may have noticed that they are no longer available on the market. So, what happened? Why did Skechers stop making Shape Ups? In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons behind Skechers’ decision to discontinue one of their most popular shoe lines.

Why Did Skechers Stop Making Shape Ups?

Skechers Shape Ups was a popular line of footwear, known for its unique design that promised to tone muscles and improve posture. The shoes were a hit with fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish way to stay active. However, after several years of success, Skechers made the surprising decision to discontinue the line. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decision.

Market Saturation

One of the main reasons Skechers stopped making Shape Ups was due to market saturation. The company had several competitors in the toning shoe market, including Reebok, New Balance, and MBT. With so many options available, consumers were overwhelmed and often chose to stick with the brands they were already familiar with. This made it difficult for Skechers to continue to grow and expand its customer base.

Another factor that contributed to market saturation was the rise of other forms of fitness footwear. Minimalist shoes, for example, became increasingly popular around the same time as Shape Ups. These shoes were designed to mimic barefoot running and were marketed as a way to improve balance and strengthen the feet. With so many options available, consumers had more choices than ever before, which made it harder for Skechers to stand out.

Health Claims Controversy

Skechers Shape Ups were originally marketed as a way to get in shape without having to go to the gym. The shoes claimed to tone muscles and improve posture simply by wearing them, which made them very appealing to busy consumers. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took issue with these claims and filed a lawsuit against Skechers in 2012.

The FTC alleged that Skechers had made false and unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits of Shape Ups. The company settled the lawsuit for $40 million and agreed to stop making exaggerated claims about the shoes. This controversy damaged the brand’s reputation and made it harder for Skechers to market the shoes going forward.

Production Costs

Skechers Shape Ups were designed with a unique sole that was intended to create instability, which in turn would activate more muscles and improve balance. While this design was effective, it also made the shoes more expensive to produce than traditional sneakers. As production costs continued to rise, Skechers found it harder to make a profit on the Shape Ups line.

Another factor that contributed to production costs was the need for constant innovation. Skechers had to keep coming up with new designs and features to stay ahead of the competition, which meant investing in research and development. This was a significant expense for the company and made it harder to justify continuing to produce the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the discontinuation of Skechers Shape Ups:

What were Skechers Shape Ups?

Skechers Shape Ups were a type of shoe that claimed to help tone muscles and improve posture. They had a unique sole design that was intended to create instability, which would require the wearer to engage more muscles to maintain balance. Skechers marketed Shape Ups as a fitness shoe and claimed that wearing them could help burn more calories and improve overall fitness.

However, Skechers was later sued for making false claims about the health benefits of Shape Ups and was forced to pay millions of dollars in settlements.

When did Skechers stop making Shape Ups?

Skechers stopped making Shape Ups in 2013, after the company reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging false advertising. The lawsuit claimed that Skechers had made unsupported claims about the health benefits of Shape Ups, including that they could help users lose weight, tone muscles, and improve posture. Skechers denied the allegations but agreed to pay $40 million to settle the case.

After the settlement, Skechers discontinued Shape Ups and several other similar shoes that had made similar claims about health benefits.

Why did Skechers discontinue Shape Ups?

Skechers discontinued Shape Ups and other toning shoes after the company faced a lawsuit alleging false advertising. The lawsuit claimed that Skechers had made unsupported claims about the health benefits of Shape Ups and other toning shoes, including that they could help users lose weight, tone muscles, and improve posture. Skechers denied the allegations but agreed to pay $40 million to settle the case.

After the settlement, Skechers discontinued Shape Ups and other toning shoes and agreed not to make similar claims about the health benefits of its shoes in the future.

Are Skechers Shape Ups still available for purchase?

No, Skechers Shape Ups are no longer available for purchase. After the company reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging false advertising, Skechers discontinued Shape Ups and other toning shoes that had made similar claims about health benefits. While some retailers may still have old stock available for purchase, Skechers no longer produces or sells Shape Ups.

However, Skechers has continued to produce other types of fitness shoes, including running shoes and walking shoes.

What other shoes does Skechers produce?

Skechers produces a wide variety of shoes for men, women, and children. The company is known for its comfortable and stylish sneakers, but also produces dress shoes, sandals, boots, and other types of footwear. In addition to its regular line of shoes, Skechers also produces a range of performance shoes for running, walking, and other sports.

If you were a fan of Skechers Shape Ups, you may want to try some of the company’s other fitness shoes, such as the Skechers GoRun or Skechers GoWalk.

The decision to stop making Shape Ups was likely multifaceted. One major factor was likely the lawsuits that Skechers faced regarding false advertising and injury claims. Additionally, the trend of minimalist and barefoot shoes became more popular, making the bulky and heavily cushioned Shape Ups less appealing to consumers. Finally, Skechers may have simply shifted their focus to other products that were more profitable or aligned better with their brand image. Whatever the reason, Shape Ups remain a controversial and memorable product in the world of footwear.

Conclusion

Skechers Shape Ups were a popular line of toning shoes that promised to tone muscles and improve posture. However, the company faced several challenges that ultimately led to the decision to discontinue the line. Market saturation, the controversy over health claims, and rising production costs all played a role in this decision. While Shape Ups may no longer be available, Skechers continues to produce a wide range of high-quality footwear for fitness enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.