A class action lawsuit has been filed against New Balance accusing the Boston-based sneaker company of false advertising. It is alleged that the company falsely claimed its toning walking shoes burned more calories and improved health. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Boston, calls New Balance’s marketing claims that the shoes increase muscle activation and calorie burn “false, misleading, and reasonably likely to deceive the public.”
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a named Plaintiff, Bistra Pashamova, on behalf of others like her who say they have been misled or harmed by the sneakers. The suit seeks class action certification and monetary compensation. On the New Balance website, the company says its Truebalance toning sneaker, “uses hidden balance board technology that encourages muscle activation in the glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves, which in turn burns calories.” Studies cited in the lawsuit say the sneakers, which cost roughly $100, do not necessarily boost health benefits and may even lead to injury.
Source: Reuters
