A federal class action filed in October 2025 accuses Swiss sneaker maker On of selling On Cloud shoes with a design defect that makes them squeak loudly with every step, and of refusing refunds or warranty coverage by calling the noise “normal wear and tear.” The suit targets eleven models built on On’s signature CloudTec sole and asks the court to award damages and refunds to buyers in California and New York.
What the Lawsuit Claims
The complaint, Bologna v. On Inc., was filed October 9, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.1Top Class Actions. Class Action Alleges On Cloud Shoes Have Defect That Causes Them to Squeak It centers on CloudTec, the hollow-pod cushioning system on the sole of every On sneaker. According to the plaintiffs, the “hexagonal, octangular and ovular shaped holes” rub against each other during normal walking and running, producing a “loud, embarrassing and difficult-to-stop squeaking sound.”2CBS News. On Inc. Running Shoe CloudTec Sued in Class Action Lawsuit Over Squeak
The suit says there is “no easy fix” and points to customers coating their soles with coconut oil or baby powder to quiet them down.3NBC News. Customers Sue Sneaker Company Over Shoes That Cause Noisy Embarrassing Squeak The core legal theory is that no reasonable consumer would have paid close to $200 for sneakers that need homemade modifications to be wearable, and that On sold them anyway while knowing about the problem. Claims are brought under the New York General Business Law, the California Unfair Competition Law, and the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act.4ClassAction.org. On Cloud Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Squeaky Sneaker Design Defect
The Warranty Denial Issue
A significant part of the case is about how On handled complaints. The company’s warranty excludes “defects due to the wrong fit, normal wear and tear,” and the complaint alleges On has used that language to deny claims about squeaking soles.2CBS News. On Inc. Running Shoe CloudTec Sued in Class Action Lawsuit Over Squeak On has also told customers online that “squeaking isn’t currently classified as a production defect.”3NBC News. Customers Sue Sneaker Company Over Shoes That Cause Noisy Embarrassing Squeak The plaintiffs argue the noise is not caused by wear but by the CloudTec design itself, so classifying it as wear-and-tear is misleading.
On has declined to comment publicly, telling reporters it “does not comment on ongoing legal matters.”3NBC News. Customers Sue Sneaker Company Over Shoes That Cause Noisy Embarrassing Squeak
Which On Shoes Are Named
The complaint identifies eleven models that use CloudTec cushioning and allegedly squeak:2CBS News. On Inc. Running Shoe CloudTec Sued in Class Action Lawsuit Over Squeak
- Cloud 5
- Cloud 6
- CloudMonsters
- Cloudtilts
- Cloudsurfers
- Cloudeclipse
- Cloudleap
- CloudSky
- Cloudswift
- Cloudzone
- Cloudrunner
The list is not exhaustive. The complaint suggests any On shoe with CloudTec cushioning could be affected.4ClassAction.org. On Cloud Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Squeaky Sneaker Design Defect The shoes retail for roughly $140 to $200.5The Oregonian. Lawsuit Claims Sneakers Cause Noisy and Embarrassing Squeak
Who Can Join and What To Do Now
The proposed class covers consumers in New York and California who bought On sneakers with CloudTec cushioning within the applicable statute of limitations. Buyers outside those two states are not covered by this complaint.4ClassAction.org. On Cloud Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Squeaky Sneaker Design Defect
There is no sign-up form or claims process at this stage. Class actions typically do not require anything from consumers when first filed. If the court certifies a class or the parties reach a settlement, eligible buyers will be notified with instructions at that point. Hold on to proof of purchase, order confirmations, or the shoes themselves in the meantime.
What the Suit Asks For
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages plus refunds, on behalf of a proposed class estimated in the thousands.2CBS News. On Inc. Running Shoe CloudTec Sued in Class Action Lawsuit Over Squeak No total dollar figure has been stated.5The Oregonian. Lawsuit Claims Sneakers Cause Noisy and Embarrassing Squeak They have demanded a jury trial.6CourtListener. Bologna v. On Inc
Where the Case Stands
The case is pending before Judge Karin Immergut, case number 3:25-cv-01852.7PACER Monitor. Bologna et al v. On Inc In late December 2025, the original plaintiffs Louis Bologna and Patricia Ramirez were replaced by three new named plaintiffs, Eric Breindel, Joseph Injaychock, and Ryan Nager, through a First Amended Complaint.
On February 4, 2026, On filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint or, alternatively, to strike the class allegations. The court stayed discovery pending its ruling. Briefing wrapped up in late March 2026, and as of the most recent docket update in June 2026, no ruling had been issued. All case management deadlines are postponed until the judge decides that motion.7PACER Monitor. Bologna et al v. On Inc If the motion to dismiss is granted, the case could end before any class is certified. If denied, discovery would resume and the certification question would move forward.