Squeaky Sneakers Spark Lawsuit: When Running on Clouds Gets Loud!

The athletic shoe company On is currently facing a lawsuit from several US customers who claim that its popular sneakers make a loud and embarrassing squeaky noise. These shoes, known as 'CloudTec' sneakers, are designed with holes in the sole to give wearers the feeling of 'running on clouds. ' However, instead of providing comfort, the shoes have reportedly caused problems for people in their daily lives, especially for nurses who wear them for long hours at work. The sneakers typically cost around two hundred dollars, and the customers argue that no reasonable person would pay that much for shoes that make a noticeable squeak with every step.

The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court in Oregon on October 9. The customers allege that several styles of On sneakers are almost impossible to wear without making significant changes to them at home. They accuse the company of deceptive marketing, saying that On did not warn buyers about the noise and did not allow them to return the shoes after they complained. The plaintiffs are seeking refunds and other damages, claiming that the company could have fixed the design, offered repairs, or given customers their money back, but did none of those things. The complaint mentions specific models like the Cloudmonster and Cloudrunner, and includes stories from customers who say they are embarrassed and annoyed by the squeaky sound.

Social media posts on platforms like TikTok and Reddit show that other customers have also experienced the same problem. Some have tried home remedies, such as applying coconut oil to the soles, to reduce the noise. On, which is based in Switzerland and backed by tennis star Roger Federer, has not commented on the lawsuit. Despite these complaints, the company reported strong earnings in August, with direct-to-consumer sales boosting its revenue. Earlier this year, On said that sales of its Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer models contributed significantly to its growth. The lawsuit highlights the challenges companies face when product design does not meet customer expectations, especially when the products are expensive and marketed as premium items.