A class action suit highlighted in the media is about Crocs, a famous brand in the USA. However, if you are also included in the plaintiff’s team, read on to find out the details about the claims and the possible outcome in terms of compensation. Different individuals filed a case against Crocs and claimed the poor quality of the product and alleged shrinking of the shoes due to heat and water.
Moreover, the plaintiffs argue that the company didn’t show integrity and wrongly advertised its product. The affected people file a class action against the firm and claim compensation for their purchases and complaints about the poor quality of the Crocs.
In this blog, you will find all the details about the brand and its products. Moreover, the allegations and the claims with the court’s decision will also discussed here in detail. Keep reading if you are also a buyer of Crocs and want your wasted money back.
What is Crocs, and what is the background of this company?
Crocs is an American footwear company famous for its men’s, women’s, and kids’ shoe styles. However, this brand has made its name internationally and is importing its shoes to almost 80 countries. This famous brand has created stylish shoe wear with comfort on the top. Crocs launched as an essential, comfy boat shoe and now offers over 120 designs for men, women, and children worldwide. Crocs’ diverse collections provide colorful, lightweight comfort for each event and season.
Moreover, the company aims to provide and create a more comfortable world for all.
Meanwhile, discussing the background of this brand, Lyndon “Duke” Hanson, Scott Seamans, and George Boedecker Jr. founded Crocs accidentally despite having no previous expertise in the shoe industry. At the turn of the century, Seamans collaborated with a footwear company that reshaped the Dutch clog shoe to be lightweight and feature cutouts. The CEO of this footwear brand is now Mr. Andrew Rees. He has been working with the company since 2014 as the President. After that, in 2017, he became the CEO and joined the Board of Directors.
Background of Crocs class action
Crocs is facing a legal dispute over the quality of its products. The lawsuit against Crocs was filed in December 2022. The plaintiffs are some individuals who filed a case against Crocs and complained about the shrinking of the shoes by the exposure to ordinary heat, water, and sunlight. Moreover, the attorney of the plaintiff group said that the company didn’t reveal to the customers the material’s quality, which can shrink in water and heat. Furthermore, the attorney also alleged the company of fraudulent tactics and false advertisement of its products.
However, the attorney blames the company for its product’s advertisement campaign. He said the Crocs are made of an exclusive foam called Croslite, which enables them to be worn on land and water, per the company’s statement. However, all these statements were proved wrong by this lawsuit.
Central allegations and the claim of this lawsuit
Let’s briefly look at the allegations and the claims of this legal dispute. The plaintiffs claim these accusations collectively.
Poor quality:
This case’s central allegation is about the product’s poor quality. The users alleged the company shrunk the shoes several times in size when they were used in water or exposed to sunlight. However, the quality of Crocs is a big question of the company’s reputation and name.
Fraudulent tactics:
Another claim that hits the line is fraudulent business tactics. The plaintiffs claim that the company CEO uses fraudulent strategies to increase sales and profits. According to this claim, the CEO of Crocs always uses the shortening of quantity tactics so that all the customers feel fear of the shoe stock. They are in a hurry to purchase the Crocs.
False advertisement:
Furthermore, the customers claim that the company falsely advertises its products. As per the advertisement, the Crocs can be used equally in the water and land, and the ad shows comfort at the seaside. The lawsuit also cited Crocs commercials that used the terms “water shoes,” “water sandals,” and “water-friendly” and depicted people wearing them near water areas and in direct sunlight. But, in reality, the shoes shrunk when used in the water and exposed to heat and sunlight.
Wrong business policies:
Additionally, the plaintiffs alleged the firm of wrong business policies. The company used misleading and non-relevant policies to increase profits.
The court’s decision on the Crocs’ appeal for discharging the case
In June 2023, Crocs appealed to the court to dismiss the latest case filed by a group of individual consumers accusing Crocs of deceptive policies, fraud, and false advertising, among other allegations. It also requested the court to dismiss the class complaints. Both requests were refused.
Last week, a federal judge refused Crocs’ motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit against it for allegedly shrinking shoes. But he allowed to proceed the case further.
Current status of the lawsuit
Currently, the lawsuit proceedings are ongoing. However, the spokesperson of Crocs didn’t respond immediately to the statement call from the media. If the court orders compensation to the plaintiffs, the company must pay a hefty amount and try to sort out the case for its reputation and fame. However, the plaintiffs are waiting for the court’s final decision. Moreover, if you are also affected by the purchase, you can claim compensation. However, for this instance, you must have proof of the purchase and the receipt to file your claim.
Competitors pay compensation for a lawsuit.
Other competitors have also paid compensation for incorrect and deceptive advertisements. However, Crocs may face the same situation and may have to pay compensation as the other footwear companies.
Skechers paid $40 million in 2012 to settle Federal Trade Commission claims related to its “toning shoes.” The FTC attributed this to Skechers’ “unfounded claims that Shape-ups would help people lose weight, as well as strengthen and tone their buttocks, legs, and abdominal muscles.” According to Runner’s World, Vibram USA agreed to settle a lawsuit in 2014 alleging that Vibram made false representations about the health advantages of its footwear, though the company denied any wrongdoing.
More recently, Crocs-owned footwear business Heydude paid the FTC $1.95 million last year to settle claims of hiding negative ratings.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, the Crocs class action lawsuit plaintiffs are waiting for the court’s final decision in their favor. Moreover, the lawsuit against Crocs highlighted the wrong and false business tactics and misrepresentation of its products. However, the court may order the company to compensate the customers and repay them the amount they wasted on purchasing Crocs. The spokesperson for Crocs did not respond to the statement made by the media. This legal dispute in the footwear sector reveals the cruel face of the brands that never inform customers about the quality of products or the precautions for the safety of footwear.
FAQs
Who is the CEO of Crocs?
Mr. Anrew Rees is the CEO of Crocs. He joined the company in 2014 as the president, and in 2017, he became the CEO and a board member.
How are Crocs advertised in the media?
Crocs are advertised as more comfortable and durable shoes because of their design with holes. It can pass air through the shoes and give comfort on both water and land.
What are the allegations in this lawsuit?
The plaintiffs claim the shoes were shrinking several times in size and that there was a false advertisement for Crocs.
What are the expectations for the court’s final decision?
The plaintiffs expect compensation in the court’s final decision as the competitor firms, Skethches and Vibram, faced.