Recent complaints from several U.S. consumers who have allegedly been injured while wearing Skechers Shape-ups may have some New Jersey residents thinking twice about which pair of shoes they should wear today.

According to reports, more than 37 people are suing Skechers shoe company because of injuries sustained while wearing the "Shape-up" model shoes. This footwear is designed to engage more muscles while walking and features a rounded-sole design. Despite the purported health benefits presented by this product, several people have experienced injuries that they say were caused by the shoes' design flaws.

One woman involved in the lawsuit claims that she was injured during a hike in California. Unable to find her normal shoes, the woman donned her Shape-ups. During her hike, however, she lost her footing, tearing ligaments and breaking her ankle. She was airlifted to a local medical facility for treatment.

Some argue that the rounded-sole design of the shoe may create instability, which can cause consumers to suffer serious injuries from falling. Perhaps the shoe company overlooked the potential risks of its product before marketing the shoes, but now consumers want the company to take action in order to prevent others from suffering injuries from using the products.

The lawsuit includes claimants who have experienced a wide variety of injuries while wearing these shoes. Some have been injured from falling; others claim that long-term use of the shoes is also dangerous. Attorneys for the claimants anticipate that more injured consumers will join the class-action lawsuit.

Skechers claims that its shoes are safe and that the injury rate from wearing the shoes is very low compared to other types of footwear.

Source: San Diego 10 News, "Woman Blames Sketchers Butt-Shaping Shoes For Broken Bones," Jan. 20, 2012