We all know the feeling. You buy a brand new pair of shoes, and before you even leave the house-you can hear that inevitable squeak on the inside of your footwear. It’s like walking on a cloud of deflated balloons, and it’s enough to drive anyone crazy!
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help stop your shoes from squeaking. By following our simple tips, you can enjoy your new shoes in peace-without having to worry about that annoying squeak.
What Does The Term “Squeaky Shoes” Mean?
When you hear the term “squeaky shoes,” you may think of a child’s toy or something that is annoying. However, squeaky shoes can actually be a sign of a problem with your footwear. If you notice that your shoes make a squeaking sound when you walk, it could be due to air escaping from between parts of the shoe, or different shoe parts rubbing against each other. In some cases, the sole of the shoe may twist as you walk, which can also cause a squeaking sound. So if you’re tired of your shoes squeaking every time you take a step, read on for some helpful tips.
1. Conditioner on the Upper:
Give the exterior of the shoes a coat of any shoe conditioner (suitable conditioner for the upper of your shoes of course).
Gently rub the product on your shoes, paying attention to any natural creases in the material.
2. Powder under the InnerSole or Orthotic:
For shoes that have either a removable sock liner (innersole) or for those that are adding their own Orthotic, simply take this out of the shoe and sprinkle either Baby or Talcum powder where it sits. The powder works in absorbing any excess moisture while reducing any friction that might be present between the Midsole and Innersole. You can also sprinkle some around the shoelaces or anywhere else you think the material might be rubbing. Let the powder sit overnight before cleaning off any excess.
3. Dry your Shoes:
One of the leading causes of squeaking shoes is Moisture, especially in the Midsole.
Make sure your shoes are nice and dry. Filling the shoe with Newspaper, putting in a Silica gel packet, or putting them in an airing cupboard are a few ways of giving them a proper dry-out.
From the outside, the shoe may seem dry, but the midsole can take a lot longer to dry so make sure it gets proper air out.
4. Wear your Shoes in:
If your shoes are squeaking early on, it could simply be the shoes not yet used to being used as a shoe. It may just need a few days of bending and impact to loosen them up. Some shoes especially can be rather stiff in the midsole early on.
5. The Tumble Dryer Strategy:
This is usually the idea that the majority of people aim for, HOWEVER, take note that tumble Dryers are not made for hard shoes to be thrown around so please be careful with this method without causing damage to your Dryer.
6. Soften your Soles:
New kicks tend to be noisy before you’ve had a chance to wear them in. If that’s the case, speed up the process by using sandpaper to gently rub down the bottom of your squeaky shoes to soften them up.
7. Use Talcum Powder:
Shoes that squeak can be incredibly annoying, especially when you’re trying to sneak up on someone. If your shoes are making excessive noise every time you take a step, here’s a quick and easy way to make them stop. All you need is some talcum powder. Sprinkle a light layer of powder over the areas of your shoe that are making noise and then rub it in. The powder will help to absorb the moisture and reduce the friction that is causing the sound.
8. Put Shoes In The Tumble Dryer:
If you’ve ever been embarrassed by the high-pitched squeal your shoes make when you walk, you’re not alone. Virtually every person who’s ever donned a pair of shoes has had to suffer through this sound at one time or another. The good news is that there is a very easy way to fix the problem-all you need is a clothes dryer. Simply put your shoes in the tumble dryer for about 5-10 minutes and they should stop making noise.
9. Polish The Leather:
If your shoes are starting to make that dreaded squeaking noise, it’s time to give them a little TLC. The good news is, it’s easy to fix and only takes a few minutes. All you need is a little polish and some elbow grease.
Here’s how to do it:
- Start by removing any dirt or debris from the shoes with a soft cloth.
- Apply a small amount of shoe polish to a cloth and rub it into the leather in a circular motion.
- Allow the polish to dry for a few minutes, then buff it off with dry cloth.
10. Check The Laces:
If your shoes are squeaking, it’s most likely because the laces are loose. Check to see if your laces are tight enough. If they’re not, tighten them until the squeaking stops.
To fix this, simply tighten the laces and make sure they’re tied snugly. You may also need to replace the laces if they’re worn out.
Final Words!
Shoes that squeak can be really annoying, especially if you wear them all day long. This article provides some simple tricks that you can use to make your shoes stop squeaking. If you follow these tips, you can enjoy a quiet afternoon walk or a night out on the town.
