Isabella TorresA squeaking sound coming from your shoes might seem like a minor inconvenience. But for thousands of Americans who paid between $140 and $180 for a pair of On Running's CloudTec footwear, that noise has turned into a federal class action lawsuit — and a crash course in consumer rights they didn't know they had.
What Is the On Running Squeaky Shoe Lawsuit?
A class action complaint filed in Oregon federal court accuses On Inc. — the Swiss running shoe brand known for its CloudTec sole technology — of selling shoes with a structural defect that causes a persistent, loud squeaking sound during normal use. The plaintiffs, Louis Bologna and Patricia Ramirez, allege the problem is caused by the hexagonal and octagonal holes in On's signature CloudTec design: when wearers step, rubber components within the sole rub together, producing an embarrassing squeak that occurs with every stride.
The complaint alleges violations of state and federal consumer protection laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which governs warranties on consumer products sold in the United States. On's current warranty policy reportedly excludes the squeaking as a covered defect, classifying it as "normal wear and tear" — a characterization the plaintiffs dispute.
On Running shoes are among the fastest-growing premium athletic footwear brands in the US market. Models like the Cloudmonster and Cloud X retail for $140–$180, significantly above the $132 average price for running shoes. Customers who report the squeak say the company has refused exchanges and returns, leaving them stuck with a product they consider unusable in professional or social settings.
What Are Your Rights as a Consumer When a Product Has a Known Defect?
The On Running lawsuit highlights a set of consumer protections that apply broadly to defective products in the US — not just athletic shoes.
1. Federal Warranty Rights Under Magnuson-Moss
If a product comes with a written warranty, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires that warranty to be honored in good faith. A company cannot label a structural defect as "normal wear and tear" to avoid paying for repairs or replacements when the defect is present from the moment the product is first used.
Consumers who believe a warranty claim has been improperly denied can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or pursue legal action. When the same defect affects hundreds or thousands of buyers, a class action lawsuit — like the one against On Running — allows a single case to address harm at scale.
2. State Lemon Laws and Consumer Protection Acts
Depending on the state, consumers may also have protections under state lemon laws or Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) statutes. While lemon laws typically apply to vehicles, many states have parallel consumer protection statutes covering durable goods, electronics, and footwear. In California, Oregon, and New York, for example, consumer protection laws are among the strongest in the nation, making it easier to pursue claims when a company refuses to honor a warranty or misrepresents a product's quality.
3. The Right to Join or Benefit From a Class Action
When a class action lawsuit is filed over a defective product, any customer who purchased the affected model within the relevant time window may automatically qualify as a class member. You do not need to hire an attorney or file a separate lawsuit to benefit. If the case settles, class members typically receive notice by mail or email and can submit a claim to receive compensation — which might take the form of a refund, a store credit, or a product replacement.
It's worth noting that class action settlements can take one to three years to resolve. Keeping your proof of purchase, original packaging, and any communication with the company's customer service team strengthens your position.
4. The Right to a Refund or Exchange Under State Law
In most US states, if a product fails to perform its basic function within a reasonable time — and the retailer or manufacturer refuses to remedy the situation — consumers may have the right to demand a full refund under implied warranty law. An implied warranty of merchantability means the product must do what it is reasonably expected to do. A running shoe that emits a loud squeak every time the wearer takes a step arguably fails that standard.
If direct attempts to return or exchange the product have been denied, a certified letter to the retailer or manufacturer outlining your statutory rights under your state's consumer protection laws can sometimes prompt a resolution before legal action is necessary.
Steps to Take If You Have a Defective On Running Shoe
- Document the defect. Record a short video demonstrating the squeaking. Date-stamp the file. Courts and settlement administrators treat documentation seriously.
- Contact On Running's customer service in writing. Request a return or refund in an email or through a documented support ticket. Keep a copy of the response.
- File a complaint with the FTC or your state attorney general. Complaints from multiple consumers about the same product pattern support enforcement action and class actions.
- Check whether you are already covered. Search for the active On Running class action settlement at consumer.ftc.gov or through a consumer attorney. If a settlement is reached, your purchase receipt is your admission ticket.
- Consult a consumer protection attorney. Many consumer protection lawyers work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
What This Case Reveals About Premium Brand Accountability
On Running built its reputation on engineering innovation. The CloudTec sole is the company's most recognized design feature, prominently marketed on its $140–$180 shoes. When that design feature produces an embarrassing and persistent squeak — and when the company responds by calling it "normal wear and tear" — it raises a clear accountability question.
Premium pricing implies premium standards. Consumer law, both federal and state, exists precisely to ensure that companies cannot charge top-of-market prices and then disclaim responsibility when their products fall short.
If you purchased On Running shoes and have experienced persistent squeaking that the company refused to address, a consumer rights attorney can review your situation and explain your legal options. On ExpertZoom, licensed consumer law attorneys are available for consultation, with no upfront cost and no waiting room.
The squeak might be embarrassing. The legal remedy does not have to be.
