On Running Sued Over “Squeaky” CloudTec Sneakers That Embarrass Wearers

Case Overview:
A class action lawsuit alleges Swiss running brand On sold CloudTec sneakers with a hidden design flaw that causes them to squeak loudly after minimal wear. 

Consumers Affected:
U.S. purchasers of On CloudTec sneakers, including Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer models, who experienced squeaking or similar noise defects.

Court:
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, Portland Division

Swiss athletic brand On is selling consumers pricey running shoes that make a “loud, embarrassing” squeak with every step, and the company is accused in a new lawsuit of knowing about the issue and failing to warn consumers or cover the issue under warranty.

The proposed class action lawsuit, filed by California resident Patricia Ramirez and New York resident Louis Bologna, claims the company knew about the noise defect in its popular CloudTec sneakers but continued to market them as high-performance running shoes. 

Both plaintiffs say they were left with nearly $200 sneakers they can no longer wear without enduring the constant squeak or attempting risky do-it-yourself fixes.

Buyers Describe the Noise as “Loud and Embarrassing”

Ramirez says she bought a pair of On Cloudmonsters from Dick’s Sporting Goods in September 2024 and noticed the squeak almost immediately. After only a few uses, she stopped wearing them entirely, saying the sound made them too embarrassing to use. 

Bologna had a similar experience after buying his Cloudmonsters online. He says that after about three months, the sneakers began squeaking with every step, and nothing he tried could silence the noise.

Both plaintiffs argue they would never have paid premium prices, or bought the shoes at all, had they known about the issue. They say On misrepresented the performance of the sneakers and failed to disclose a flaw that significantly impacts their usability.

Friction Inside CloudTec Pods Allegedly Causes the Persistent Squeak

On’s CloudTec outsole, the company’s signature technology featuring hexagonal and oval-shaped holes designed to absorb impact and propel runners forward, is at the center of the lawsuit. 

The shoes are meant to provide a cushioned, efficient stride, but according to the lawsuit, friction inside those pods creates the squeak.

Consumers have been trying their own remedies for the problem, from applying coconut oil or baby powder inside the soles to sanding down the inner pods, but none of these fixes appear to work long-term, the lawsuit says. 

Despite being aware of the defect, the lawsuit claims, On continued to sell the shoes and deny warranty claims related to the issue.

The brand, which generated $2.5 billion in 2024, has seen its U.S. market share skyrocket since 2019, largely due to the success of its CloudTec models, including the Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer.

Other Footwear Brands Face Similar Lawsuits Over Product Defects

On isn’t the only footwear company under scrutiny. Crocs is facing multiple lawsuits alleging its Croslite foam shoes shrink and warp in heat, even though they’re advertised as suitable for sunny outdoor use. 

Plaintiffs claim the company has known about the issue for over a decade. Another Crocs case in California was recently allowed to proceed, accusing the company of misleading customers about its shoes being “all-weather” despite the defect.

Meanwhile, Steve Madden and Adidas are embroiled in a separate legal battle over sneaker design trademarks, with Madden accusing Adidas of using anticompetitive tactics to monopolize common design elements like stripes.

In the On lawsuit, Ramirez seeks to represent a California class of consumers who purchased On’s CloudTec shoes, while Bologna is pursuing a New York class. Together, they’re suing for violations of state consumer protection laws, alleging deceptive marketing and unfair business practices. 

They want On to compensate buyers who overpaid for defective shoes, disclose the issue to future customers, and stop selling sneakers that squeak with every step.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Bologna et al v. On Inc.
• Case Number: 3:25-cv-01852-IM 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, Portland Division 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Stanton R. Gallegos (Markowitz Herbold PC)
• L. Timothy Fisher, Joshua B. Glatt, and Max S. Roberts (BURSOR & FISHER, P.A.)

Do your On sneakers squeak when you walk or run? How did the company handle your complaint? Share your experience in the comments below.