WASHINGTON — The government says Skechers' advertising claim that its fitness shoes can help shed pounds and tone muscles are sketchy at best — and they’re going to cost the company millions of dollars.

Skechers will pay $40 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission, which says the company made unfounded claims that its Shape-ups shoes would help people lose weight and strengthen their butt, leg and stomach muscles.

Tennessee Attorney General Robert Cooper and his counterpart in Ohio led a 42-state investigation in conjunction with the FTC action.

The settlement also involves the company’s Resistance Runner, Toners and Tone-ups shoes.

The FTC says Skechers falsely represented that clinical studies backed up the company’s claims about its toning shoes.

Consumers who bought the shoes will be eligible for refunds.