Keds's primary Christian Louboutin Pumps, however, had not dialed down claims as of Sunday, saying, "In 1916 we started a footwear revolution when we created the first sneaker," and, elsewhere on that site, that it had made "the first shoe with a soft rubber sole and coined the term 'sneaker.' "
Marshal Cohen, who follows the footwear industry as chief industry analyst of the NPD Group, a research firm, said the Internet has made it more important than ever for marketing claims to be watertight.

"There is a significant Christian Louboutin of the population today that will go out and challenge any statement," Mr. Cohen said. "With the reach of social media, the minute an ad campaign is challenged or can't be substantiated, social media is going to spread that like wildfire. Before you make a statement, you have to be sure you can justify it and live up to it."

SHOE worshipers will be making a pilgrimage to the Sigerson Morrison Warehouse Sale next week. On sale will be shoes from many past seasons — flats, heels, boots and sandals. Among the offerings is the pointy black flat with gold-sequined toe (above), which retailed at $495 and will be $150. Boots that were $995 are now $295; booties, reduced from $695 to $225. The sister line, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, offers edgier shoes at lower prices.

Boots, reduced from $550 to $195; booties, marked down from $400 to $150; and shoes, reduced from $250 to $95. Bags, including Christian Louboutin Shoes and satchels, which were priced from $650 to $2,000, are now $150 to $400. Sigerson Morrison Warehouse Sale, April 28 to 30, Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, gallery level.