On Sneaker Customers File a Class Action Lawsuit Over "A Noisy and Embarrassing" Issue

A federal class action lawsuit has been filed against the Swiss running shoe company On, Inc., alleging that several of its popular sneaker models produce “a noisy and embarrassing squeak with each and every step.”

©On

According to NBC News, the suit — which was filed in Oregon, the site of On’s North American headquarters — alleges that the noise comes from materials used in the shoes.

The suit further alleges that On refused to compensate customers or replace the defective shoes, which, in turn, has forced customers who have encountered the squeaking issue to fix it themselves by making “significant DIY modifications to the shoe.”

©Amazon

The suit’s plaintiffs are 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” as they claim that the company’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. According to the claimants, the suit was only filed after a February 2025 letter to the company demanding refunds was ignored.

On Cloud Sneakers

The specific models named in the lawsuit all retail for between $140 and $180. Designs include Cloud 5, Cloud 6, Cloudmonster, Cloudtilt, Cloudsurfer, Cloudeclipse, Cloudleap, Cloud Sky, Cloudswift, Cloudzone, and the Cloudrunner. These types of sneakers are made with “CloudTec” technology, which is the signature hole design on the external and bottom surfaces of the shoes.

©Amazon

Customers have complained about squeaking from running sneakers made by other popular shoe brands, including HOKA, Nike, Adidas, and Brooks, though to our knowledge, this is the first time there’s been a lawsuit regarding the issue. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on this unconventional legal action.