How to fix squeaky shoes

Start with an assessment of the squeaky shoes by locating the root of the squeaking noise to the best of your ability. Put both shoes on and walk around on different surfaces such as carpet, wood floors, and outside on the pavement to gather your thoughts about where the squeaks may be coming from. Also hold still and rock your shoes forward and backwards a few times on these different surfaces to assess the origin of the squeakiness. Having a friend to help you listen to your squeaky shoes may give you more insights to work from.

Once you know what part of the shoe might be the culprit, sprinkle that area with baby powder, corn flour, or baking powder. Sources claim this will absorb any moisture and reduce noise from two shoe parts rubbing together. Here are a few common problem areas of squeaky shoes and how to fix them:

• If the inside of the shoe squeaks, lift the insoles and sprinkle powder along the inner seam. If your insoles are non-removable, rub the powder into the edge of your shoe base.
• Powder the tongue of the shoe under the laces if the tongue squeaks.
• If the base of the shoe squeaks, there are probably air cushions. Massage the powder into the base at the seam or air bubble to stop squeaky shoes. 
• Try the shoes on again and sample the various surfaces.

Knowing how to make shoes less squeaky may depend on the materials used in the construction of the shoes. Leather dress shoes or leather loafers may require different approaches. Silicone lubricant spray or WD-40 have been recommended by several sources as they may be more effective at removing or reducing squeaky shoes than leather conditioner. However, they require careful application to avoid damage (do not use any oil-based products on suede as it will create a stain.) Spray one of these lubricants onto a cotton pad or cotton ball. Rub it into the outside seam of the shoe, working along the squeaky area or its entire outline. 

For leather trainers, sources say to try putting a light coat of the lubricant or WD-40 on the inside of the shoe. First removing the insole and applying on the inside of the shoe. Wait for 2 days for it to fully dry as it will need time to soak in. If is seems to be working but still has a slight squeak, repeat the process.

You can also apply a leather conditioner product on leather shoes (again never on suede). Use a clean, soft shoe cloth to buff it into the leather and allow it a day or two to become thoroughly absorbed. 

We hope you enjoyed our tips on how to fix squeaky shoes. Be sure to check out our other articles on caring for your shoes, such as how to wash trainers in the washing machine, how to clean white shoes and the best shoe storage ideas.