Photo: Cloudnova 2 running shoes by On. (On.com)

Swiss athletic-footwear maker On is facing a class-action lawsuit in the United States over allegations that its popular “Cloud” line of running shoes emits a persistent and excessive squeaking noise with each step. Filed in the U.S. District Court in Oregon on October 9, 2025, the complaint identifies more than a dozen models built with the company’s proprietary cushioning platform, known as CloudTec.

According to the plaintiffs, the design of the midsole incorporates hexagonal, octagonal and ovular pods that create a unique feeling of “running on clouds.” However, the lawsuit contends that these same pods and their interactions with the rubber outsole result in a loud squeak that cannot be eliminated through ordinary use.

Consumers who purchased the shoes at a premium price say the noise has rendered the product unsuitable for its normal purpose—wearing in public, at work or during athletic activity—because every step produces an audible and embarrassing sound. The complaint alleges that the company knew or should have known about the issue through customer feedback, online forums and internal testing, yet did not disclose it prior to sale.

In addition to refund demands, the plaintiffs are seeking compensatory, statutory and punitive damages for what they describe as losses associated with product malfunction, diminished value and failure of the warranty. The company reportedly denied warranty claims by categorizing the squeaking as “normal wear and tear.”

In response, On declined to comment on the pending litigation. Meanwhile, interested consumers are advised to retain purchase records, photograph or record the squeaking behaviour and await notice of class-certification procedures. The case remains in its early stages and further developments—including additional filings, responses or settlement talks—may follow as the litigation unfolds.