Customers have filed a class action lawsuit against On Inc., claiming the Switzerland-based company's running shoes cause "a noisy and embarrassing squeak" when they walk.
According to federal court documents filed on Oct. 9 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, where On's North American headquarters is located, the plaintiffs allege they bought shoes from the company that contain materials that rub together, "causing a noisy and embarrassing squeak with each and every step."
Upset customers have complained about the squeaking issue, but On has refused to compensate them, according to the lawsuit. The class and their lawyers allege that instead, customers who have encountered the squeaking issue have been forced to fix it themselves by making "significant DIY modifications to the shoe."
The shoes are made with adaptive CloudTec technology, which On said includes "Clouds," or hollow pods on the sole of the shoe that stretch on impact to make landing more comfortable; the clouds then lock to form a foundation runners can use to push off.
Retailers, such as REI, Nordstrom and Fleet Feet, sell the shoes, according to the company's website. In the lawsuit, the class mentions 11 shoe styles made with the CloudTec technology, including the Cloud 5, Cloud 6 and Cloudsurfers.
Among the claims in the lawsuit are that On violated California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act by advertising the shoes as something they are not.
When contacted by USA TODAY on Oct. 16, On declined to comment, citing the situation being an ongoing legal matter.
Are squeaking running shoes normal?
Customers online have complained about squeaking from running sneakers made by other popular shoe brands, including HOKA, Nike and Adidas.
Brooks Sports, a sports equipment company, offers a possible reason for the squeaking, noting that the cause is often air or moisture trapped under the insoles within the shoes. The company recommends removing the insoles after each wear so the insoles and the shoes can dry.
Some customers have even shared some DIY remedies online, such as rubbing coconut oil into the holes of the CloudTec midsole, focusing on areas where the squeaking is worse, including the heel and midfoot.
What On running shoes are named in the lawsuit?
According to the lawsuit, On’s shoes cost between $140 and $180.
Some of the shoe styles the suing class names in the lawsuit include:
- Cloud 5
- Cloud 6
- CloudMonsters
- Cloudtilts
- Cloudsurfers
- Cloudeclipse
- Cloudleap
- CloudSky
- Cloudswift
- Cloudzone
- Cloudrunner
What do the suing customers want?
According to the lawsuit, On’s warranty does not cover defects due to shoes being the wrong size or normal wear and tear, and customers who have submitted warranty claims have often been denied.
The suing class sent On Inc. a letter in February 2025 demanding refunds, but the company did not fix the issue, the lawsuit reads.
Now, the class is seeking reimbursement from the company for the cost of the running shoes, as well as a jury trial to determine damages they believe they're owed for the squeaking issue.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Customers sue Swiss shoe company On for 'noisy and embarrassing squeak' issue
Reporting by Saleen Martin, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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