Sometimes we feel embarrassed wearing squeaky shoes, and the constant squeaking sound can be very distracting. If you want to get rid of the squeaking sound from your shoes, please read this article.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Performing a Quick Fix
Step 1. Sprinkle some powder onto your shoes
Sometimes, squeaking in shoes can be caused by friction between the insole and the outer sole. Use baby powder, talcum powder, or cornstarch to reduce friction.
- If the shoe has a removable lining, remove it and sprinkle cornstarch, talcum powder, or baby powder on the bottom of the shoe. Then, put the lining back on and see if the squeak disappears. These powders can reduce moisture so that friction between the shoe and the lining is reduced.
- If your shoes squeak when you walk on tiled or wooden surfaces, it's a good idea to put some powder under the soles of your shoes. However, be careful because the grip of the shoe with the floor will be reduced so that you can slip.
Step 2. Cover the inside of your shoe with a paper towel or dryer sheet
If you didn't bring cornstarch or baby powder, paper towels or dryer sheets can also stop the squeaking of shoes. Place a paper towel or dryer sheet between the insole and outer sole of your shoe.
The trick, remove the insole of the shoe first before placing the paper or dryer sheet into the shoe. After that, put the sole back in the shoe
Step 3. Smooth the tongue of the shoe (shoe laces lining)
Sometimes, shoes squeak because the tongue rubs against the inside. The problem can be solved by smoothing the tongue of the shoe using sandpaper. Take sandpaper or a nail file and rub it on the outer edge of the tongue (the part of the tongue that rubs against the inside).
If you don't want to use sandpaper, apply a small amount of athletic tape to the edge of the shoe's tongue. Wrap athletic tape along the edge of the tongue so that it covers the area where it rubs against the inside
Step 4. Try wearing socks
If you wear shoes without socks, the moisture from sweat from your feet can cause squeaking. You can overcome this by wearing socks. Try wearing socks while wearing shoes for a few days and see if your shoes stop squeaking.
Method 2 of 3: Taking Care of Shoes
Step 1. Apply oil to the shoes
Leather shoes may shrink or stretch due to weather conditions. If you think this is causing your shoe to squeak, try applying shoe oil or vegetable oil to the seam (where the sole meets the shoe). Be careful not to apply too much oil to stain the shoes.
Use a dry cloth or kitchen paper to rub the shoe oil into the seams. Wipe off excess oil and leave the shoes on overnight
Step 2. Fix the shoes
If the heel or sole of your shoe is getting loose, fix it to get rid of the squeak. You can use glue, as long as it's strong enough. You can also use all-purpose glue or craft glue. Glue the parts that want to come off and see if the squeak stops.
Step 3. Get professional help
Maybe, you can't solve this problem on your own. Often times, scrap metal in the shoe causes the shoe to squeak. Most likely this problem cannot be solved on your own, unless you have experience making professional shoes. If the squeaking in your shoes can't be fixed on your own, ask a professional shoe insulator for help.
Method 3 of 3: Drying Shoes
Step 1. Remove the insole or inner lining of the shoe
If your shoes squeak when you sweat or don't wear socks, moisture may be the cause. Dry your shoes to fix this. Before drying the shoes, remove the insoles and all linings inside the shoes. Dry the shoes in a warm and dry room.
Step 2. Use newsprint
Once the insole is removed, insert a roll of newsprint into the shoe. Old newsprint can absorb moisture. You only need to use a few sheets of paper. If your shoes are very wet, change the newsprint every few hours.
Step 3. Insert the shoe tree into the shoe
If you want your shoes to dry faster, try using a shoe polisher. This tool will help maintain the shape of the shoe leather, especially from the risk of shrinking and stretching while it is still wet.
Tips
- Quickly dry your wet shoes. Soaking shoes won't just squeak. If it is too long, mold and mildew will grow and be difficult to remove.
- Determine how bothered you are by the squeaking sound. If you really like shoes and don't want to tinker with them, wear them as they are.
