Oakland Skechers Shape-ups Injury Attorneys
Millions of people have purchased Skechers Shape-ups and other similar fitness “toning” shoes with a rounded bottom sole, hoping to lose weight and improve muscle tone in legs and thighs. Also called “wellness shoes” and “rocker bottom” shoes, Shape-ups toning shoes promise to improve circulation and posture, tone muscles, and burn calories, all without stepping foot in the gym. Although the shoes manufacturer promise great results in glitzy television ads featuring A-list celebrities, experts ranging from podiatrists to personal trainers have questioned not just the fitness promises, but the actual safety of the shoes.
Skechers Shape-ups Fall-Related Injuries
Injuries resulting from wearing toning shoes can be classified as one of two types: fall-related injuries and overuse injuries such as stress fractures. Many people have suffered injuries as a result of falling while wearing the shoes. The arched soles of the shoes dramatically change the way an individual walks. For overweight and older adults, the risk of falling is heightened. Dozens of people have reported suffering fall-related injuries to the Consumer Product Safety Commission as a result of wearing toning shoes, including:
- Tibia fractures
- Fibula fractures
- Ankle fractures
- Hip fractures
- Patella fractures
- Scaphoid fractures
- Head injuries.
Overuse Injuries and Stress Fractures
Skechers marketed the toning shoes as a great solution for people who work on their feet all day, such as nurses and waitresses. A lot of people who wear the shoes for long periods of time have reported suffering stress fractures. These hairline bone fractures typically occur in the weight bearing bones, such as the shinbone (tibia) or metatarsal bones in the foot. A stress fracture may not be visible with a simple X-ray, so a doctor may request an imaging test such as a CT scan, MRI, or 3-phase bone scan to diagnose. Treatment of a stress fracture on a weight-bearing bone includes complete rest, and a walking boot may be prescribed for four to eight weeks, depending on the severity and nature of the fracture. If a stress fracture is severe, surgery may be necessary.
Skechers Shape-ups Injury Manufacturer Liability
More and more people are reporting serious injuries from wearing toning shoes, including injuries that require hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and time away from work. If you have been injured as a result of wearing toning shoes, consider speaking with an experienced Oakland personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related expenses, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Holding Product Manufacturers Accountable
It is shocking that these shoes were put on the market with little to no research, efficiency testing or other safety evaluations. While only time will tell if the shoes are withdrawn from the market or recalled, individuals who have suffered orthopedic injuries from wearing the shoes should contact a lawyer immediately. Estey Bomberger Oakland Skechers Shape-ups lawyers have successfully handled product liability injury claims for countless products, from children’s toys to medical devices. If you have been injured, contact us today for a free consultation of your rights to compensation in a Skechers lawsuit. All inquiries are confidential and with no obligation. The Skechers shape-ups injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger are handling product liability claims in Oakland, California, and nationwide.