On, the Swiss athletic shoe company renowned for its premium ‘CloudTec’ sneakers, is now embroiled in a legal battle as customers allege that their popular footwear emits a ‘noisy and embarrassing squeak.’ The lawsuit, filed on October 9 in the US District Court in Oregon, claims that the $200 sneakers, designed to provide a ‘running on clouds’ experience, instead cause significant disruptions in daily life, particularly for professionals like nurses who wear them extensively. Plaintiffs argue that ‘no reasonable consumer’ would purchase the shoes knowing the persistent noise issue. The complaint highlights multiple On sneaker styles, including the Cloudmonster and Cloudrunner models, which customers describe as ‘unwearable’ without DIY modifications. The plaintiffs accuse the company of ‘deceptive marketing’ and allege that On failed to address the design flaw, offer fixes, or provide refunds despite customer complaints. Social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit have become hubs for frustrated customers sharing makeshift solutions, such as applying coconut oil to the soles. Despite the controversy, On reported strong financial performance in August, with quarterly revenue driven by direct-to-consumer sales. The company, backed by tennis legend Roger Federer, attributed significant growth to its Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer models earlier this year.
Customers sue maker of popular On Cloud shoes over ‘noisy and embarrassing’ squeaks
