By Jim Donovan:  Sorry to tell you this, but the government wants you to know that simply sporting a pair of Skechers’ fitness shoes is not going to get you Kim Kardashian’s curves or Brooke Burke’s toned tush. 

In fact Skechers USA Inc. has agreed to pay $40 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission of deceptive advertising.   The FTC says that the footwear company made unfounded claims that its Shape-ups shoes would help people lose weight and strengthen their butt, leg and stomach muscles.

Kardashian, Burke and other celebrities endorsed the shoes in Skechers ads. The settlement also involves the company’s Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes as well.

Consumers who bought the shoes since August of 2008 would be eligible for refunds, though it’s not clear how much money they’ll get.  The FTC says that will depend on how many claims are received in the eight-month filing period.

Skechers denied the allegations but said it settled to avoid long litigation.  The said it has received overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback about the shoes from thousands of customers.

To file a claim visit:   http://www.skecherssettlement.com/