How to Stop Shoes from Squeaking

Have you ever found a new pair of shoes that look and feel great, only to discover later that they squeak when you wear them? Whether it’s a subtle creak with each step or an occasional and unpredictable loud squeal, it’s hard not to feel a bit dejected.

With this guide, though, we’re here to help. Because the truth is squeaky shoes aren’t defective the vast majority of the time: the squeaking is caused by something temporary - friction, moisture, newness - that can quite often be fixed with one or two simple interventions.

So, if you’ve got the squeaky shoes blues, read on. Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Why do shoes squeak?
• 7 ways to stop shoes from squeaking
• Tips for particular types of squeaks
• How to prevent shoes from squeaking

First up:

Why Do Shoes Squeak?

There are several reasons why your favourite footwear might be making an unwanted racket. Squeaks can come from different parts of the shoe and be caused by different reasons, meaning that understanding the source is the first step to stopping it.

Here are some of the most common causes for squeaky feet:

Newness: shoes just out of the box often have stiff materials or glossy soles that rub against floors or other parts of the shoe. As the shoe softens and breaks in, the sound usually fades, meaning that breaking in your new shoes is a crucial consideration.

Moisture: if water gets trapped inside or underneath the insole, this can be a major squeaking culprit. Sweaty feet or rainy days can both cause this, even if the shoe is otherwise dry.

Friction between different parts of your shoe: whether it’s the tongue rubbing against the upper or an ill-fitting insole shifting around inside, friction can cause all manner of squeaking sounds.

Floor type: polished wood or tile floors tend to amplify squeaks, especially from rubber or synthetic soles. This sound was used to great effect in a famous advert in the 00s, but most people would rather avoid it in their day-to-day lives!

Material stiffness: some materials (looking at you, leather) can squeak when they flex, especially before they’ve been worn in.

Now you know the potential causes, let’s look at some of the solutions.

7 Ways to Stop Shoes from Squeaking

Not all squeaks are permanent. In fact, by working your way through this list, it’s more likely than not that you’ll eliminate the troublesome squeaking from your favourite pair.

Here are 7 simple, practical fixes you can try at home, curated by our footwear experts:

1. Wear Socks

Sometimes the squeak is caused by your foot rubbing against the inside of the shoe, especially with loafers, leather-lined styles, or summer sandals. A pair of socks can create a barrier, absorb moisture, and reduce friction that could eventually lead to soreness or even blisters.

2. Dry Out the Shoes

Moisture inside the shoe is one of the most common sources of squeaking. Removing insoles (if possible) and letting your shoes dry out thoroughly is a reliable way to restore them to dryness and minimise associated squeaking. You can also speed things up by stuffing them with newspaper or using a shoe dryer overnight.

3. Apply Baby Powder or Talcum Powder

If the squeak seems to come from inside the shoe, try lifting the insole and sprinkling a light layer of baby powder or talcum powder underneath. This helps absorb any moisture and reduces friction between the insole and sole. This will also help to reduce smells accumulating in a new pair of shoes.

4. Lubricate Problem Areas

If you’ve got squeaks coming from the tongue or lace eyelets, apply a small amount of Vaseline or leather conditioner to areas where the materials rub together. This works especially well for leather shoes that squeak as they flex. Learning how to care for your leather shoes will increase their longevity, too - a win-win!

5. Soften the Shoe

Stiff leather or synthetic materials often squeak before they’ve fully softened, because they don't yet flex naturally with the movement of your foot and may rub at pressure points or against other parts of the shoe. Use a leather conditioner or follow our step-by-step guide to gently soften the shoe over time.

6. Adjust or Replace the Insoles

Insoles that don’t fit quite right can shift slightly with each step, creating squeaks from within the shoe. This is especially common in newer shoes where the insole hasn’t settled yet or in pairs where the insole isn’t securely glued down. To fix it, try repositioning the existing insole and pressing it firmly into place.

7. Roughen the Outsole

New rubber soles are often a little too smooth for certain indoor floors, especially polished tile or wood, and that slight slip can lead to an annoying squeak. Lightly roughening the sole with fine-grit sandpaper can increase surface traction and reduce squeaky feedback when walking. Focus on the heel and ball areas where pressure is greatest, and avoid over-sanding: you’re trying to create texture, not damage the tread.

Tips for Particular Types of Squeaks

Some shoe types need a more tailored approach. Here’s how to deal with squeaks in specific styles.

How to Stop Leather Shoes from Squeaking

Leather shoes are prone to squeaking due to stiffness, especially at the start. Focus on softening the upper, conditioning the tongue, and using powder under the insole if needed.

How to Stop Trainers from Squeaking

With trainers, squeaks often come from interior rubbing or synthetic soles on polished surfaces. Remove insoles to air out moisture or insert new ones if needed. Socks can also help wick moisture and reduce friction.

How to Stop Boots from Squeaking

Boots squeak most often at the shaft or tongue. Try conditioning these areas and using powder under the insole. Ensure the fit isn’t too tight, as that can increase friction between internal seams.

How to Stop Sandals Squeaking When Walking

Sandals tend to squeak when your foot rubs against the footbed, especially when damp. Use baby powder on the footbed, let them air out thoroughly, or try a breathable no-show sock liner if the style allows.

How to Stop Dress Shoes from Squeaking

Dress shoes often combine leather uppers with stiff soles. Lubricate any areas where materials meet, soften the leather, and ensure the outsole isn’t too slippery for indoor floors.

Can You Prevent Shoes from Squeaking in the First Place?

They say prevention is the best medicine. In this section, we briefly explore ways to stop your shoes from squeaking in the first place:

• Break them in before wearing them to an event or long day out
• Condition leather shoes regularly to keep materials supple
• Store them somewhere dry to avoid moisture build-up
• Use insoles that fit snugly and replace worn ones early
• Choose breathable designs and wear appropriate socks

Say Goodbye to Squeaky Footwear

Whether it’s a strappy sandal in the height of summer or a cosy boot on a winter’s day, hearing that first squeak can be a disheartening moment. But as we’ve seen, squeakiness doesn’t have to be permanent - follow the tips in our guide and you should be able to remove (or prevent) unwelcome noises from your favourite footwear.

And if you can’t eradicate the squeak from the shoe, you’re sure to find something in our new-in collection to fit your tastes. Our friendly team are always on hand to help, too, so pop into one of our stores and we’ll be delighted to give you a hand.