Squeaky boots can be annoying, especially if you don't want to attract attention when you walk into a room. Luckily, getting rid of squeaks in leather shoes is pretty easy. For starters, identify where the sound is coming from. If the squeaking sound is heard from the inside of the shoe, the insole may be the main culprit and can be eliminated by sprinkling with talc powder. If the sound is coming from the bottom of the shoe, rub a dryer sheet or sandpaper against the bottom of the sole to change the sound when you walk. If the squeak is coming from the top of the shoe, cleaning the leather with a special soap or oil can solve the problem.
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Method 1 of 4: Reducing Friction with Talc Powder
Step 1. Sprinkle talcum powder if the squeak is coming from the inside of the shoe
If you hear a squeaking sound from the inside of your shoe when you walk, the problem may be due to friction between the insole and the rubber at the bottom. When walking, the insole will rub against the rubber at the bottom, causing a squeaking sound. The talcum powder creates a protective layer between the insole and the shoe sole and reduces squeaking noise.
If your shoes are new, just return them. A squeak in a new shoe indicates poor interior gluing, whereas removing the insole to repair it could void the product warranty
Step 2. Remove the insole from the inside of each shoe
Insole refers to the cushioning of fabric that sits over the base of each shoe. Grab the inside of the shoe and pry up the pad with your fingertips. Once you've managed to pry the ends off, gently pull on each shoe's insole to pull it out. If you can't lift it, the pad may be glued to the bottom of the shoe.
Tip:
If your insole is glued to the bottom of your shoe, you can tear it off and re-glue it if you want with shoe glue. However, the squeaks often don't come from the glued part of the insole. Also, you can leave the insole unglued – you can still wear your shoes comfortably.
Step 3. Apply talcum powder into the shoes
When the insole has been removed, take a small bottle of talcum powder. Lift each shoe and tilt the bottle so that the powder can be sprinkled about 50 grams into the shoes. Shake the shoe to spread the powder all over the bottom of the shoe.
You can use thin paper towels, napkins, or coconut oil instead of talcum powder if you prefer. Talc powder is able to reduce fluids and absorb unpleasant odors or has extra benefits for your feet
Step 4. Put the insole back into the shoe
Insert each insole into place. Press the edge of the bearing so that it returns to its original position. Insert your feet and walk for a while to make sure the insole is securely in place.
If you choose to remove the glued insole, it's best not to re-glue it. You'll feel more comfortable wearing it without gluing it to the bottom of the shoe first
Step 5. Add more talcum powder when your shoes squeak
When the liquid causes the powder to clump and erode from the rubber fibers, the shoes will start to squeak again. If this happens, sprinkle some more talcum powder onto the base of each insole.
Method 2 of 4: Removing Squeaks with Dryer Sheets or Sandpaper
Step 1. Lubricate or scrape the sole if the squeak is coming from the bottom of the shoe
If a squeak is heard from the exterior of the shoe and the insole doesn't seem to shift, the problem may be from the sole of the shoe. If your shoes have hard rubber soles, they can squeak when they rub against the floor you're stepping on. Lubricating or adding texture to the sole can solve this problem.
If your shoes squeak when you walk on grass, dirt, or other soft ground, the problem isn't with the bottom of the shoe
Step 2. Wipe the bottom of the shoe with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris
Dip a clean washcloth in warm water, then wring it out. Lift each shoe and rub the sole with the cloth to remove as much dust and dirt as possible. Wrap the cloth around your fingers to clean the gaps at the bottom of the sole of each shoe.
Your shoes don't need to be cleaned until they're smooth, but you should remove as much dust and dirt as possible
Step 3. Dry the sole with a clean cloth
Scrub each shoe sole with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dirt. Wrap a washcloth around your fingers to clean the grooves in the bottom of the sole. Rub the washcloth repeatedly over the sole to absorb water.
Tip:
You can also choose to let the shoes dry on their own. Shoes must be completely dry for this method to work. So, if you're not in a hurry, just let your shoes sit for 1-2 hours to dry on their own.
Step 4. Scrub the soles with a drying sheet to remove squeaks
If your shoes squeak when worn on a flat surface, prepare a dryer sheet. Hold the dryer sheet flat in your hand and rub it firmly against the bottom of the rubber sole. Rub repeatedly over the sole surface to spread the residue evenly. Repeat this process to clean the other shoes with a new dryer sheet.
The residue from the drying sheet will adhere to the base of the sole and provide a layer of lubrication. This will prevent the sole from squeaking without spilling the lubricating fluid all over the place
Step 5. Scrape the sole with fine sandpaper to prevent the shoe from squeaking on slippery surfaces
If the squeaks are louder when you're at the gym or on slippery cement floors, the soles may need more than light lubrication. To provide good grip, prepare a sheet of fine sandpaper with 60-120 grit. Hold the paper in the palm of your hand and use it to gently scrape the bottom of the sole. This will provide greater grip and prevent the shoe from squeaking on slippery surfaces.
Adding grooves on the rubber sole can prevent squeaking without lubricating. However, you will have to physically modify the shoe so that it cannot be restored to its original condition
Method 3 of 4: Using Saddle Soap
Step 1. Prepare saddle soap if your tongue and shoelaces squeak
The soap in question is a leather lubricant designed to clean horse saddles. If the squeak is coming from the top of the shoe, friction between the tongue and the sides of the shoe is causing the problem, so saddle soap can help. Purchase saddle soap at an outdoor supply store or at a leather goods repair shop.
This is a common problem with new shoes. If you don't mind a slight squeak in your shoes, the noise will probably go away after a few weeks as the leather begins to soften
Step 2. Remove the laces on each shoe
Untie the shoelaces and remove them from each shoe. Start removing it from the top of the tongue all the way down so the laces don't fray.
Some types of saddle soap require water to be active. If the soap needs to be mixed with water, simply pour a few drops of water on the top of the soap to soften it once the top is removed
Tip:
If the shoes have been worn several times before cleaning with saddle soap, brush the tongue of the shoes with a hard-bristled brush to remove dust.
Step 3. Rub the soap onto the skin with a microfiber cloth
Dip a microfiber cloth in the soapy water. Wet a washcloth first if your soap needs water to work. Use your non-dominant hand to hold the back of the tongue of the shoe. Rub the tongue of the shoe circularly with a microfiber cloth, then lubricate. Repeat this process on the other shoe.
- You don't need to use a lot of soap to lubricate and protect your shoes. A pinch of soap for one shoe is enough.
- You can use saddle soap to clean the entire shoe, but if you just want to get rid of the squeaks, there's no need to do that.
Method 4 of 4: Applying Shoe Care Oil
Step 1. Use shoe care oil if your shoes squeak sometimes
If your leather shoes occasionally squeak and feel stiff, use a treatment oil to smooth and protect them, and eliminate squeaks. Purchase the oil at an outdoor supply store or at a skin care store.
Shoe care oil is often sold under the names leather conditioner or shoe oil. These products basically have the exact same effect
Step 2. Remove the shoelaces and brush the leather until clean
Untie the laces on each shoe. Pull the shoelaces from the top to the bottom. Use a hard-bristled brush to remove dirt and grime from the shoes.
Step 3. Rub the shoe care oil with a clean washcloth
Once the laces are removed, not the top of the shoe care oil can. Rub the cloth over the oil surface. Hold the shoe by inserting your non-dominant hand into it. Apply the oil to the sides, tongue, and back of the shoe with a washcloth. Dip the washcloth in the oil again when it's dry. Repeat this process for the other shoes until the entire leather surface has been successfully moisturized.
Tip:
The shoes will look a little greasy, but the oil will eventually seep into the skin as it dries.
