It could happen to anyone: you just bought these really nice shoes only to find out they make lots of noise when wearing them. Annoying! And embarrassing, since people will hear you before they see you because of your noisy shoes. How to fix this? With these tips, your squeaky shoes will be history in no-time.
Where is the squeaky noise coming from?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-sided answer to this problem. It can have many causes, although in most cases it’s due to friction between two parts of your shoe. The squeaking sound may be caused by perspiration, moisture, wet shoes or the use of too much adhesive. Sometimes there’s abrasion between the soles of the shoes and a surface.
Find out where your shoes are squeaking
How the squeaking noise is created can have multiple causes. One thing is for sure: you’d like to get rid of it as soon as possible. To determine what is best to do to stop your shoes from squeaking, it is essential to find out where the noise is coming from. After all, you can go to the shoemaker and have your soles replaced, but that won’t be useful if the sound comes from the inside.
How do you find out where your shoes are squeaking? Easy, all you have to do is walk and listen carefully. You can move your foot up and down, back and forth and left to right to get a better view of the specific squeaking area. If you can’t do it by yourself, you can always ask your hotline. Let someone squat next to you while you walk by with your squeaky shoe. Within no-time you’ll discover where the noise is coming from.
How to fix squeaky shoes
Time to take action! Now you know where your shoes are squeaking, you can do something about it. All you need is some talcum powder, baby powder, bicarbonate or corn starch. Choose one of these products that you already have in your kitchen cabinets to make it yourself as easy as possible.
How does it work? In most cases, the squeaky sound is caused by friction of your shoe. By sprinkling some powder between the abrasive parts, the moisture caused by friction will be absorbed. Does the squeaky sound come from the inside of your shoe? Sprinkle some talcum powder on your insole and there you go, the squeaky sound is gone.
Talcum powder is also your best friend if the sole causes squeaking sounds. Lift your inlay and sprinkle some powder on the midsole. Then place the inlay back in your shoe and your squeaking shoes are history. If you don’t have a loose inlay in your shoe, just sprinkle some powder on the edges of your insole.
Inject squeaking shoes with WD-40
Do you still have squeaky shoes, because the talcum powder fix did not work? An alternative may be WD-40, it is a lubricant for cars, bicycles and locks. And from now on for your squeaking shoes. Spray a little bit of WD-40 on the squeaky spot, smooth it out using a dry cloth and your squeaking soles will be completely silent. WD-40 is slightly more stain sensitive than talcum powder. We suggest you use WD-40 as an alternative if talcum powder doesn’t work.
Squeaking Dr. Martens
Everyone knows Dr. Martens can cause some terrible blisters, but unfortunately, there’s another reason to literally keep your Docs in your closet. Dr. Martens often have squeaking soles. Every pair of Dr. Martens boots has an AirWair sole, a sole filled with air that the brand is known for. However, sometimes there is too much air in the sole, and that causes a squeaking sound when you walk. Just pinch a tiny hole at the bottom of the sole using a thin needle and the extra air can escape. Your Dr. Martens will stop squeaking!
Is there anything a shoemaker can do to fix your squeaking shoes?
Sometimes your DIY-tricks are not helpful enough to restore your squeaking shoes and you need a professional to help you out. The local shoemaker offers various services to restore your squeaky soles. He can secure the heel, replace the sole in case they’re worn, glue in some new insoles or fill a hollow heel. Whatever service best fits your shoes depends on what causes the squeaking.
Prevent squeaking shoes
Like your nan used to say: ‘Prevention is better than the cure’. She was right when it comes down to squeaking shoes. With these tips you’ll do anything to prevent your shoes from squeaking!
- After walking in the rain, always let your shoes dry. This may go without saying, but sometimes you’re tended to put on your damp shoes too soon. It is best to wait until your shoes are fully dry, if you want to avoid the squeaky noise. Please don’t let your shoes dry under the heater or in the sun; the heat will cause materials like leather and suede to dry out faster and discolour.
- Take preventive care of your shoes using proper maintenance equipment. Using the right maintenance products makes your shoes last longer, plus you avoid wear and tear (and a squeaking sound).
- Some soles rub with certain surfaces, and this may cause a squeaking noise. To prevent abrasive soles, you can gently rub the bottom of your outsole with sandpaper. That will make your sole a little more coarse, and that reduces the chance of a squeaky sound.
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