Squeaky shoes? Here’s how to get rid of them

With a few handy tips, it will be squeaking in no time!

Causes for squeaking

How is it possible that one kind of shoe squeaks and creaks tremendously, and you don’t notice anything with the other kind? There are a few common causes. It could be due to a manufacturing defect, friction from materials, wear and tear or moisture in your shoes. To figure out the exact cause, the best thing you can do is put your shoes on and move your feet for a while. For example, walk a short distance or move your feet from front to back and from side to side. Listen carefully to exactly which movement you hear the squeak.

Sprinkle talcum powder

The moment it is clear when your shoes squeak, you can start working on a solution. Do you mainly hear squeaking from the inside of the shoes? Then it is due to the friction of the insole against your feet or the rest of the shoe. Sprinkle some talcum powder in the shoes, which absorbs the moisture that causes the friction.

Notice that the insole against the bottom of the shoe is causing the squeaking? If so, take out the insole and sprinkle the inside seams of the shoe with talcum powder. Can’t get the insole out of the shoe? Then sprinkle the talcum powder on the edge of the shoe sole. Notice that the squeaking is coming from the tongue of the shoe? Then rub the talcum powder on that part.

Glue or go to the cobbler

It is also possible that the squeaking sound is caused by the heel of a shoe. Chances are, then, that heel is a little loose. You can glue it yourself with super glue, or you can take it to a cobbler. Also, if you feel that a shoe has started to squeak due to wear and tear, it is wise to take it to a cobbler.

Let it dry properly

Do your shoes have a stiff, thick sole? Then chances are that a squeaking noise is caused by trapped air between the inner and outer sole of the shoe. You can then use a needle to poke a hole in the bottom of the sole to allow that air to escape. Did your shoes get wet and then start squeaking? Then make sure you let them air dry thoroughly. Don’t put them near the stove, as this can dry out the material (and that’s exactly what makes them squeak). Let the insoles dry loose (if possible) and put newspapers or shoe stretchers in the shoes to allow them to dry as much as possible.

Source: Margriet, Dingen voor Vrouwen, Adobe Stock