How to Stop Squeaky Shoes (+ Why They Squeak in the First Place)

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Prevent squeaky sneakers, leather shoes, and more with these tricks
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Squeaky shoes can be embarrassing and annoying. The sound can come from your soles, insoles, or the outside of your shoes, but luckily, there are lots of DIY hacks to fix the problem. We interviewed shoe care and repair experts to teach you all the best ways to stop your shoes from squeaking . Plus, we’ll explain what causes them to squeak in the first place.

Quick Ways to Fix Squeaky Shoes

Footwear expert Victor Adrian recommends sprinkling talc powder under your insoles to prevent friction between them and your shoes. If the soles of your shoes are squeaking, rub them with dryer sheets or rough them up with fine sandpaper. Always let your shoes dry completely, as moisture is a common cause of squeaking.

Section 1 of 2:

How to Stop Shoes from Squeaking

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  1. If you get your shoes wet or if you sweat in them a lot, they may squeak because moisture is trapped inside. Try taking your insoles out and letting them and your shoes dry completely before you wear them again. Here are a few ways you can speed up the process: [1]
    • Hang your shoes in a dry, warm location, like a laundry room or a spot near a fireplace.
    • “A really easy trick that we use oftentimes is simply crumpling up some newspaper, putting [it] in the shoe, and keeping [the shoe] in a dry, well-ventilated area,” explains shoe care specialist Marc Sigal. [2]
    • If your shoes are white, the ink from the newspaper may bleed. In that case, Sigal recommends using paper towels instead. [3]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Marc Sigal is a shoe care specialist and the founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California.

    Victor Adrian is a footwear expert based in London, UK, where he works as a researcher, tester, and editor for BestForMyFeet.com.

    Trent Potter is a shoe care and repair specialist and the founder and co-owner of Southern Polished, a sandal-making business, and Potter & Sons, a shoe repair business.

    Moe Draper is a shoe care and repair specialist and the owner of Detroit Shoe Shine and Shoe Repair. He has over 20 years of experience as a cobbler.

  2. Your shoes may be squeaking because your insoles are moving around a lot when you walk. To prevent this, take your insoles out, sprinkle some baby powder inside your shoe, then put the insoles back in. The baby powder will help reduce the friction between your insoles and shoes so they don’t squeak as much. [4]
    • Footwear expert Victor Adrian adds that you can also use talc powder if you don’t have baby powder. [5] Cornstarch is another good option.
    • If your shoes don’t have removable insoles, sprinkle the baby powder along the seams of the insoles instead of underneath them.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Stop Your Shoes from Squeaking
    Remove your insoles and rub a thin layer of coconut oil on the bottom of the inside of your shoe. Then, reinsert the insoles. Coconut oil can help lubricate insoles so they’re less likely to squeak when they move around. You may need to reapply the oil if your shoes start squeaking again later on. [6]
    • If you don’t have coconut oil, petroleum jelly works the same way.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Stop Your Shoes from Squeaking
    Sometimes, shoes squeak because the material on the outside of the shoes rubs together. If you notice the outsides of your shoes squeaking every time you take a step, try rubbing a conditioning oil into the outer parts of the shoes so they’re lubricated and less likely to squeak. [7]
    • Make sure you use a conditioning oil designed for your shoe type. For example, if your shoes are made out of leather, use a leather conditioning oil .
    • Conditioning oil will fade over time. If your shoes start to squeak again, reapply the oil.
    • When conditioning leather shoes, Adrian recommends paying special attention to the tongue area because “that’s where the squeaks mostly happen when the leather becomes dry.” [8]
  5. 5
    Break your shoes in if they’re new. Some shoes squeak when they’re new because the material is very stiff. The more you wear them, the more the material will soften, which should stop the squeaking. Shoe care and repair specialist Trent Potter recommends breaking shoes in by wearing them at home or wearing thick socks so you don’t get blisters. [9]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Stop Your Shoes from Squeaking
    If you suspect your insoles are to blame for the squeaking, fold two paper towels so they're small enough to fit inside your shoes, then slip them underneath the insoles. This will help prevent the insoles from moving around as much, which should reduce the amount of squeaking. [10]
    • If you don’t have paper towels available, try using napkins or dryer sheets instead.
    • You may want to change out the paper towels after you wear your shoes a few times so they don’t start to smell.
  7. 7
    Wear socks to reduce friction. If your shoes are too big, your feet may move around inside them as you walk, which can cause squeaking. Wearing socks can reduce friction between your feet and the shoes (which also prevents blisters ), and it also helps absorb any moisture that may cause squeaking. [11]
  8. 8
    Cover the bottoms of your insoles with double-sided or painter’s tape. If you notice your insoles moving around as you walk, take them out and cover the bottom with painter’s or masking tape to create a smooth surface and reduce friction. Alternatively, use double-sided tape to secure them to the bottom of your shoes.
  9. 9
    Spray the squeaky areas with silicone spray. After cleaning and drying your shoes, spray a small amount of silicone spray (like WD-40) on the squeaky areas. Another option is to soak a cotton ball in the spray and dab it on the area. Silicone gives your shoes extra traction, which should prevent them from squeaking. Allow your shoes to air dry completely before wearing them. [12]
    • Don’t apply too much silicone spray, or you’ll be left with a residue.
    • Use silicone spray on leather and synthetic materials.
    • Do not use silicone spray on suede, as it may damage the material.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Stop Your Shoes from Squeaking
    If your shoes squeak when you walk on smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood floors, it could be because the bottoms are too slick. Go over the bottoms a few times with a dryer sheet to make them less slick so they don’t squeak as much. [13]
    • You may need to rub the bottoms of your shoes with a dryer sheet every few times you wear them so they don’t start squeaking again.
    • Try rubbing a dryer sheet along any other squeaky parts of your shoe, too. Dryer sheets can reduce friction and absorb moisture to reduce squeaking.
  11. Saddle soap is a conditioning cream that can be used to lubricate shoes. If the tongues on your shoes are rubbing against the laces and making squeaking noises, rub saddle soap onto the front side of the tongues to make the squeaking stop. [14]
    • If you don’t have saddle soap, try applying conditioning oil to the tongues instead.
    • You may need to reapply the saddle soap after the first application wears off.
    • Don’t use saddle soap if your shoes are suede.
  12. 12
    Replace loose insoles. Inspect your insoles to see if they’re worn out or don’t fit well. If they are, that could be the source of the squeaking. Consider replacing them with a new, well-fitting pair to see if that fixes the problem. [15]
  13. Watermark wikiHow to Stop Your Shoes from Squeaking
    If the soles of your shoes are smooth, they typically squeak a lot, especially on polished floors. Grab a piece of fine sandpaper (typically 120 - 220 grit ) and gently sand the shoes to rough them up. Don’t be too rough or use coarse sandpaper, or you’ll scratch your shoes. [16]
  14. 14
    Tighten any loose parts of your shoes. If you wear ill-fitting shoes, there’s a chance they’ll squeak when you walk. If you’ve noticed any loose areas, like the sole or the heel, try tightening or reattaching them to reduce squeaking. Here are some methods to try:
    • Use superglue on loose or detached soles. If the sole has partially detached, apply a thin layer of superglue or shoe adhesive and press down firmly. Allow the glue to dry overnight.
    • Add heel pads . If the squeak is coming from the heel, add heel pads to reduce friction.
    • Reinforce loose areas with shoe repair tape . Shoe repair tape is a specialized tape designed to fix and reinforce different parts of the shoe, especially along the heel or the sole.
  15. 15
    Take your shoes to a cobbler if all else fails. If you’ve tried multiple methods but the squeaking won’t go away, consider taking your shoes to a professional cobbler. If your shoes have structural defects or damaged insoles, a cobbler has the specialized tools and skills to fix them. “Many times, a professional can take the shoe apart and re-glue your soles to eliminate the squeaks,” explains shoe care and repair specialist Moe Draper. [17]
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Section 2 of 2:

Why do my shoes squeak?

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  1. 1
    Moisture One of the most common causes for squeaky shoes is an excess of moisture. If you sweat in your shoes or otherwise get them wet, moisture can get trapped in the insole or other areas of the shoe, which can cause them to squeak. This is why it’s important to let your shoes air out and dry before wearing them again. [18]
    • Air can also get trapped in your shoes and cause them to squeak.
  2. 2
    Friction “Many times, the squeak will come from the inside of the shoe, and what I’ve found is that is due to the insole rubbing against the footbed,” says Adrian. [19] If your insoles are worn, damaged, or loose, they’ll likely rub against the bottom of your shoe, which can cause squeaking.
  3. 3
    Stiff or dried-out material Some shoes are made out of very stiff material, so they may squeak a lot until they’re broken in and become softer. [20] Similarly, materials like leather may dry out and cause a squeaking sound. Conditioning the shoes can help in this case.
    • Materials like leather, rubber, and synthetic layers can also wear down and begin to squeak over time.
  4. 4
    Improper fit If your shoes are too big , your feet will likely slide around in them while you walk. The friction between your foot and the shoe can sometimes cause a squeaking sound. Prevent this by wearing shoes and insoles that fit properly, or wear socks to reduce the friction. [21]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I stop my leather boots from squeaking when I walk?
    Moe Draper
    Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
    Moe Draper is a Shoe Care and Repair Specialist based in Detroit, Michigan. Moe is the Owner of Detroit Shoe Shine and Shoe Repair. With over 20 years of experience as a cobbler, Moe specializes in shoe shining, cosmetic restorations for quality leather goods, and minor/major shoe repair services. Moe and his staff at Detroit Shoe Shine and Repair have over 30 years of combined experience and knowledge. In addition to his brick and mortar business, Moe has a mobile shoe repair business where he travels to perform shoe shines for clients. Moe frequently gives back to his community by offering his services to law enforcement officers and other valued patrons. Moe and his business were featured for their work in the community in the Detroit Free Press.
    Moe Draper
    Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    The best way to stop leather boots from squeaking is to take your boots to your local shoe repair professional or cobbler. Shoe squeaks are caused by a hole or rip in the sole (or somewhere else on the shoe), which has allowed moisture to enter. Many times, a professional can take the shoe apart and re-glue your soles to eliminate the squeaks.
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  • Question
    How do you fix squeaky high heels?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can try sprinkling baby powder or cornstarch inside the shoe if the problem is caused by moisture, or massage the insole to get out trapped air bubbles. If you suspect the squeak is due to a structural problem with the shoe, you might need to take it to a shoe repair specialist to get it fixed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Why do my shoes squeak when I wear them without socks?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Probably because your bare feet are producing moisture, which can create a squeaking sound when your foot and shoe rub against each other. If you don’t want to wear socks, you can try sprinkling some baby powder or corn starch in your shoe, or slip on a thin no-show sock or footlet that just covers your heels, soles, and toes.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ajc.com/pulse/fix-squeaky-shoes-with-these-simple-tricks/C7KGI46XNFCD3N4CXDV6IKM6KQ/
      2. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/the-squeaky-heel-gets-the-glue/
      5. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.ajc.com/pulse/fix-squeaky-shoes-with-these-simple-tricks/C7KGI46XNFCD3N4CXDV6IKM6KQ/
      7. ↑ https://www.ajc.com/pulse/fix-squeaky-shoes-with-these-simple-tricks/C7KGI46XNFCD3N4CXDV6IKM6KQ/
      8. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Trent Potter. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-get-rid-of-squeaky-shoes/#prevent-the-squeaking-sound-with-a-paper-towel
      2. ↑ https://www.aapsm.org/socks-make-the-feet.html
      3. ↑ https://www.ajc.com/pulse/fix-squeaky-shoes-with-these-simple-tricks/C7KGI46XNFCD3N4CXDV6IKM6KQ/
      4. ↑ https://treadlabs.com/blogs/insoles-reach-your-stride/why-do-my-insoles-make-my-shoes-squeak?srsltid=AfmBOorrjQ2XRxjV7Vsjy1R42nyYzykVi5oC_DVY9doCGjRzP-q5hkbo
      5. ↑ https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/the-squeaky-heel-gets-the-glue/
      6. ↑ https://treadlabs.com/blogs/insoles-reach-your-stride/why-do-my-insoles-make-my-shoes-squeak?srsltid=AfmBOorrjQ2XRxjV7Vsjy1R42nyYzykVi5oC_DVY9doCGjRzP-q5hkbo
      7. ↑ https://shoescentric.com/how-to-stop-your-shoes-from-squeaking/
      8. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://www.merrellaustralia.com.au/blog/stop-the-squeak?srsltid=AfmBOoqazpkzOrfrSjfe0t07cjBvHiYPb5l0N8gozgrEbVKEeQjXJPYQ
      10. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
      11. ↑ https://shoescentric.com/how-to-stop-your-shoes-from-squeaking/
      12. ↑ https://treadlabs.com/blogs/insoles-reach-your-stride/why-do-my-insoles-make-my-shoes-squeak?srsltid=AfmBOorrjQ2XRxjV7Vsjy1R42nyYzykVi5oC_DVY9doCGjRzP-q5hkbo

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To stop your shoes from squeaking, try taking the insoles out and sprinkling baby powder or cornstarch inside, then replacing the insoles. The powder will reduce friction between your insoles and shoes that could be causing them to squeak when you walk. If the bottoms of your shoes are squeaking, go over them a few times with a dryer sheet to make them less slick. Alternatively, you can gently rough up the soles with fine-grit sandpaper. Sometimes moisture trapped in your shoes can also make them squeak. In that case, stuff your shoes with newspaper and let them sit overnight. The newspaper will absorb any moisture trapped inside and hopefully eliminate squeaking when you walk. For more ways to stop your shoes from squeaking, like using coconut oil or sandpaper, read on!

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