On shoes being sued for causing an “embarrassing squeak with every step"

Two US customers have filed a lawsuit against the popular Swiss trainer company On, complaining that the shoes cause an “embarrassing squeak with every step”.

Two US customers file lawsuit against On

A popular trainer company founded in Switzerland and headquartered in Zurich has found itself making international headlines for quite a quirky reason. Two customers from Portland, US, have filed a class-action lawsuit against On.

The customers have complained that their On trainers cause “a loud and embarrassing squeak with every step”, reports Blick. The lawsuit goes on to state that "no reasonable consumer would buy the shoes - or pay as much for them as they did - knowing that each step causes an audible and noticeable squeak.” 

The loud noise caused by the trainers can only be reduced by “making physical modifications to the shoes themselves or by not wearing the shoes at all,” continued the lawsuit. 

On’s CloudTec technology causes squeaking, according to claimants

The trainers in question feature On’s signature CloudTec technology, designed to make the wearer feel like they are “running on clouds”. According to the claimants, it’s this On technology causing the unbearable squeaking noises.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for approximately 3.000 other customers who are also affected, with the exact amount to be paid yet to be decided by the court. 

Sources close to the trainer company have said that the lawsuit can be seen as a sign of the company’s success. “Dissatisfied customers only exist if you have enough customers,” reports Blick. On’s revenue in the US has been increasing, with the company generating 870 million Swiss francs in revenue in the first half of 2025.