The World’s Hottest Running Shoes Have One Major Flaw

I’m now on my fourth pair of On Running shoes, two Cloudsurfers, one Cloudeclipse, and most recently, the new Cloudsurfer 2. Three pairs squeaked, and one that (finally) doesn’t. And after all that, I’ve got one question: how does one of the world’s most hyped running brands make sneakers that are this embarrassing to walk in?

It’s not just a mild chirp. It’s a full-blown, high-pitched squeak that starts up after your first proper run once there’s a bit of heat, a bit of moisture, and a bit of f,riction. Suddenly you’re walking down the street sounding like a toddler’s bath toy. It’s loud, it’s rhythmic, and it doesn’t stop. These aren’t shoes you wear on a walk-date unless you’re looking to get ghosted before you even hit the beach. And really, what good is a sneaker if you can’t even sneak up on someone?

The most frustrating part? They start out great. Fresh out of the box, they feel every bit the Swiss-engineered performance shoe On promises: lightweight, responsive, and ridiculously good-looking. The Cloudsurfer and Cloudeclipse feel like the ideal balance of fashion and function until they betray you with every single step.

Thinking I’d just picked a dud, I tried a second pair. Then a third. Same result. So I turned to the only place where modern product complaints go to be validated: TikTok. And sure enough, I found company. Comment sections, stitch videos, Reddit threads turns out squeaky-on shoes are a thing. A known thing. A common thing.

I even sprayed olive oil in the holes to make the noise stop. That’s how bad it is.

Theories range from insole friction to moisture-trapping midsoles. Some even blame On’s own tech. And that’s where it gets interesting. Because this isn’t some generic foam sneaker.

The Cloudsurfer features CloudTec Phase™, a midsole system built using computer-optimised geometry for smoother transitions and better impact absorption. It’s paired with Helion™ superfoam, engineered for a cushioned, energy-returning ride. On paper, it’s next-level stuff. In reality? It squeaks like a clown shoe.

And yet, despite all of this, I wasn’t done. Curiosity or maybe just stubbornness or stupidness got the better of me, and I bought the new Cloudsurfer 2. And here’s the plot twist: they fixed it. No squeak.

Even after a few solid sessions, including the dreaded walk-to-the-gym test, something has changed, whether it’s a change in rubber compounds, updated outsole geometry, or just better quality control. It’s a huge relief.

Hopefully, that filter still gets through the rest of the lineup, because On still gets so many things right. They’ve got Roger Federer, strong sustainability credentials, a killer aesthetic, and a cult-like following for a reason. But shoes that squeak like wet thongs on polished floorboards? That’s not high-performance. That’s high alert.

So, On thank you for finally addressing the noise. But if I’m spending over $250 on runners, they better not announce my arrival like a fart in a yoga studio.