I had an extremely disappointing experience with On at Fashion Island, and after three weeks of being sent on a wild goose chase--between returning to the store, customer service calls, and numerous emails trying to get this resolved--I feel other customers should know what happened.
When I purchased the Cloudboom Strike LS (Lightspray), which cost $280, at the Fashion Island store, I was specifically told that I was not allowed to try them on before purchasing them. I asked about the comfort and fit and was assured that the shoes were soft and comfortable and that the staff was not aware of any issues with hot spots. Since I wasn't allowed to try them on, I relied on their recommendation and purchased them in good faith.
When I finally wore them, I quickly discovered that they caused severe discomfort and painful hot spots. I ran in them for approximately 20 minutes before the pain became so bad that I had to take the shoes off and walk back to my car in my socks.
The very next day, I brought the shoes back to the On store expecting a reasonable solution--especially considering that the store had not allowed me to try them on before purchasing them. The shoes were also clearly in excellent condition, having been worn for only about 20 minutes.
Instead, I have now spent THREE WEEKS being sent on a wild goose chase, going back and forth between the store and customer service trying to resolve what should have been a straightforward issue. After all of that, I am now being told that because this is considered a "fit issue," On will not provide a refund or even a store credit.
To add insult to injury, when I returned to the store, the managers gave me a customer service phone number and assured me that the issue would be resolved. I trusted what they told me. In fact, while I was there, I purchased another pair of On shoes for my son. Needless to say, I regret spending another dollar with this brand.
What I find most frustrating is the contradiction: How can a company prohibit a customer from trying on a $280 pair of shoes, assure them that the shoes are comfortable, and then refuse to stand behind the purchase when the shoes cause significant pain because of the fit?
I have repeatedly made it clear that I am more than happy to return the shoes. I don't want to keep them--I simply cannot wear them. I was only asking On to provide a reasonable resolution given the circumstances under which the shoes were sold to me.
I'm a runner, I talk to other runners about the shoes and products we use, and customer service matters. Unfortunately, the combination of the original in-store experience and the three-week wild goose chase that followed has completely changed my opinion of On.
After this experience, I will not purchase another On product. I would strongly recommend that anyone shopping at this location make sure you are actually allowed to try the shoes on before purchasing them and fully understand what your options will be if there is a fit problem afterward. To be honest, never in the 20 years of marathon training have I ever had to walk back to my car in socks...says a LOT about the quality of these shoes...it is all Brand and hype. Stick to Adidas, New Balance and Nike. I am sure the founder would be floored to hear about my experience. read more