You may be wondering why the Good Feet Store was under investigation. Let’s find out.
The Good Feet is a chain of retail stores that specializes in arch support and orthotics. The company was founded in 1995 and had over 100 locations in the United States and Canada. They design products that allegedly alleviate foot, knee, hip, and back pain, improve balance, and essentially align the entire body. However, they were under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for allegedly engaging in deceptive advertising practices. Many of their customers claimed that they did not deliver what they were promising, which led to a lawsuit. Why was the Good Feet store under investigation? Let us expand more on the topic.
How did it all start?
In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigated the Good Feet store due to allegations of deceptive advertising and unfair business practices. The investigation was incited by a complaint filed by the National Advertising Division (NAD). They are a self-regulatory organization that evaluates advertising claims.
The complaint alleged that the Good Feet store made false or unsupported claims in their advertisements about the effectiveness of their products. It also said that its sales staff had used high-pressure tactics and deceptive pricing strategies to convince consumers to make purchases.
They also claimed that their insoles are designed to “exercise and strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments by modifying the musculoskeletal structure of the user.” This is in addition to their arch supports relieving various medical conditions. However, many consumers have reported that the products did not live up to these claims and, in some cases, actually made their pain worse.
The focus of the investigation
The FTC’s investigation is focused on whether The Good Feet Store has engaged in false and misleading advertising. In addition, whether the company has made unsubstantiated claims about the effectiveness of its products.
Personalized fitting
The customers mostly complained about the fact that the company offers off-the-shelf inserts when they are, in fact, advertising them as “personalized fitting.” They also charge way more for this service than custom orthotic devices.
There is an implication that the customer would be given a physical examination before getting their personalized insoles. They do, after all, call their staff the “Arch Support Specialists.” However, here is what happens at the store:
- The customer needs to walk on ink paper, which in turn shows where they put the most pressure
- The salesperson would then measure the distance from the heel to the ball of the foot
Following these steps would give the salesperson an idea of what size insole to recommend. Therefore, the process is hardly the personalized fitting one would expect for custom orthotic insoles
Another disappointing part for the expectant customers is that the Good Feet store employs sales personnel like any other store. This means they do not have a background in podiatry, anatomy, or any other specialization. Therefore, most of those who complained felt they were misled by false advertising.
The claim to treat common foot-related problems
Another answer to the question, “Why was the Good Feet store under investigation?” is that they claimed that their inserts could treat common foot-related issues like arthritis. They advertised that their products could help the body realign itself, improve balance, and relieve pain.
Although foot realignment can assist with these particular issues, there are various reasons individuals have balance issues, back pain, etc. Unless a doctor examines the customer, claiming that this particular product can alleviate such issues, in general, is negligent.
Varied results
Although it may seem like it goes without saying, the effects of products were different with different customers. Moving experts at Eagle Van Lines say that every business must disclose this information, which The Good Feet company failed to do.
As with any product, many individuals were quite satisfied with their arch support. On the other hand, there were many who were less than satisfied and those who reported adverse effects of using said shoe insoles. Therefore, the Good Feet company failed to report the varied benefits of their products, leading the public to believe that everyone would find them favorable.
Did podiatrists recommend the Good Feet store?
The answer is—not really. The customers that would come to the store would do that on their own accord. They would think that a professional would examine them. Contrary to their expectations, a salesperson would greet them—not a specialist. Sure, the salesperson went through a two-week training session. However, this is a far cry from someone who actually knows about podiatry.
Refund policy
Good Feet’s “orthotic systems” cost almost $1,000.00, and they tell the customers that they need to wear them for several weeks before they see the results. It goes without saying that just like when preparing clothes and shoes for storage when you think you might need to return something, you want to keep your items in good shape. However, in this case, if the customers are not satisfied with the results, they will not be able to return the product—regardless of their state.
What they could do is exchange the product, which can be useless to those who are already dissatisfied with the product in the first place.
The response
The Good Feet store denied any wrongdoing and maintained that its products are effective and backed by scientific research. The company released a statement saying that they are fully cooperating with the FTC’s investigation and are committed to providing its customers with high-quality products and services. The company also emphasized that its products have helped millions of people improve their foot health and overall well-being.
The outcome
After conducting an investigation, the FTC found that the Good Feet store had indeed made false or unsubstantiated claims in their advertising. They also engaged in unfair business practices. They did so by failing to disclose material information to consumers. For instance, the fact that their products were not a substitute for medical treatment.
As a result of the investigation, the Good Feet store agreed to modify its advertising claims. They agreed to discontinue certain claims that were found to be unsupported. The company also agreed to improve the disclosures it provides to customers about the limitations of its products and their effectiveness.
Final words
Although some customers thought that Good Feet products were helpful, there were many who were disappointed with various aspects of the company and what it offered. Why was the Good Feet store under investigation? The store was investigated for the product itself, false advertising, the problematic return policy, and non-specialist staff—among other things. The investigation into the Good Feet store serves as a warning to all companies that engage in false advertising and deceptive sales practices. Consumers have the right to accurate and truthful information about the products they purchase. Therefore, companies are responsible for providing it. The outcome of this investigation will hopefully have important implications for the industry. It will hopefully also result in better protections for consumers.