On, a Swiss-based athletic shoe company, is currently facing a class action lawsuit filed by customers in the US. The plaintiffs claim that the company’s popular “CloudTec” sneakers produce an embarrassing and distracting squeak when worn. These sneakers, priced around $200 (£150), are designed with holes in the soles to create a sensation akin to “running on clouds”. However, many users have reported that the noise disrupts their daily activities, particularly affecting nurses who wear the shoes for extended periods.
Details of the Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit was submitted on October 9 in the US District Court in Oregon. Customers allege that multiple styles of On sneakers have become practically unwearable without considerable DIY alterations. They claim that “no reasonable consumer would purchase Defendant’s shoes” knowing they would emit a noticeable squeak during use.
Claims from Customers
- The lawsuit discusses how customers could not return their noisy shoes even after complaints.
- Plenty of customers referenced social media platforms, such as TikTok and Reddit, where others shared home remedies for the squeaking issue.
- One plaintiff stated that the noise made it impossible for her to use her shoes as intended due to embarrassment.
Accusations of Deceptive Marketing
In their complaint, the customers accused On of deceptive marketing practices. They claim the company failed to address the design flaws or offer refunds for the defective shoes. Models mentioned include the Cloudmonster and Cloudrunner.
Company’s Response and Performance
On has yet to respond to the lawsuit or the claims raised. Despite this challenge, the company recently reported better-than-expected earnings in August, attributing strong quarterly revenue to direct-to-consumer sales. Sales of the Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer sneaker models were noted as significant contributors to this growth. The little noise issue might disrupt their market presence moving forward.
