How To Stop Shoes From Squeaking On Hard Floors

If your favorite pair of sneakers have turned into squeakers if your shoes are making a public statement every time you go out in public and walk on hard floors, and if it’s making you self-conscious then you have come to the right place. Cause today we are going to talk about how to stop shoes from squeaking on hard floors.

Shoes making squeaky noises is not only embarrassing but also disturbing. And the worst thing about it is that it’s not only irritating for you but also for everyone around you. But instead of thinking about throwing them away, you should think about fixing them. Because if you follow some really simple and easy steps you can learn how to stop squeaking noise from any shows, like patent leather shoes, bare feet, or leather sandals.  So you won’t have to put up with the squeaking noise any longer and you can start walking confidently everywhere.

11 Ways to Stop Shoes From Squeaking On Hard Floors:

1. Finding out the source of the noise

Before diving into the solutions we must find out the source of the problem first. You can find the problem and isolate the source by wearing shoes and walking on different floors and in different patterns. The sound caused by different parts of the shoes needs a different approach to be solved.

The reason why finding the source is so important is because it helps you find the actual problem for which the shoes are squeaking. If you find that the shoes are squeaking only when you wear them barefoot then moisture is the main problem of the squeak. If the squeak doesn’t happen on the carpet but only on plain surfaces then unnecessary friction is causing the problem.

So depending on the source of the noise, we will follow different methods. And don’t worry, all of them are really simple and doesn’t take much time.

2. By applying baby powder

Sometimes the squeaky sound occurs only when you wear your shoes barefoot or recently have worn them with bare feet. This causes moisture to build up inside and the squeaky noise. To prevent this noise you must clear that moisture out.

Most modern-day shoes have removable insoles. So if your shoe has one then first take the insole out. Now take some baby talcum powder and apply a good amount of the powder inside the shoe beneath the insole. Then put the insole back in its place.

The applied powder absorbs the excess moisture inside and prevents the insole from slipping inside which ultimately results in zero squeaky noise.

3. By Applying Lubricants Under the Insole

Friction is one of the most common reasons behind the squeaky noise made by shoes. To reduce the friction applying lubricants is seen to be the best remedy.

First, remove the insoles from the shoes and then apply a small amount of lubricant throughout the whole surface of the insole. After lubricating put the insole back to the way it was before. This will reduce the squeaky noise a lot by decreasing friction.

Must Read: 9 Best Lubricant for Squeaky Door Hinges 2021 Reviews

As for the choice of lubricant, you can go for any commercially available water-based lubricant or natural oils, for example, coconut oil. A good choice of lubricant would be WD-40, a water-resistant silicone lubricant. After application, this formula dries really fast and gives a clear, long-lasting coating that waterproofs the surface permanently.

4. By using a paper napkin or paper towel

As it is mentioned earlier, friction is a vital reason behind the squeaky noise. Another popular way of reducing friction is by applying paper towels or paper napkins between your shoe and the insole.

First, you need to fold your paper towels to make it small enough to fit inside the gap between the insole and your shoe. Now place it between them so your insole doesn’t face friction from all the loose movement. This will result in less squeaky noise from the shoe.

But do keep in mind that napkins or paper towels tend to absorb sweat from your feet which will cause a bad smell after a few days of use. So remind yourself to change them every few days.

4. Drying your shoe

The second most common reason behind the squeaky sound from shoes is excess moisture. So in case, you walked on a puddle wearing your shoes or had to walk in the rain or even accidentally fell water on them, they may squeaky when you walk on hard floors as long as they are wet. There are some easy ways to dry them out fast.

• You can try stuffing some napkins or paper inside to absorb all the water. You can check the napkin or paper to easily find out if they are doing their job or not.
• You should also pull the insole out and let it hang on some dry place or beside some fire so it dries out as quickly as possible.

Make sure you don’t wear your shoes before completely drying them out to avoid damage to your feet. https://amzn.to/3kIMdMi

5. Using sandpaper

Even though your soles have more gripper to prevent accidents, sometimes they tend to get so smooth that every time you walk on a hard polished floor they make a squeaky noise. To prevent this from happening, go to the nearest hardware store and get yourself some fine-grit sandpaper.

Now polish the outer sole of your shoes for only a short period of time so you can brush out the minimum amount to reduce the smooth bottom. This will result in less squeaky noise as you walk around wearing them.

6. By applying rubber cement Adhesive

Rubber cement, also known as cow gum is an adhesive. It is made from an elastic polymer and is designed in such a way that it can be applied and later peeled off without causing any damage. Which makes it ideal to be used in the front part of your shoe.

Sometimes instead of your shoe being at fault, it’s the flooring system. It doesn’t matter what kind of shoe you were it will eventually squeak if you walk on this floor. If this is a floor you have to walk on every day then you may consider applying rubber cement in the front part of your shoes. It will stop shoes from squeaking on hard floors and save you from a lot of embarrassment.

7. Consider paying Cobbler a visit

If you have a high-priced pair of shoes and want to keep using them even though they started to make squeaky noises after getting old, then it’s highly advised that you pay your cobbler a visit.

Sometimes as the shoes get old they tend to have loose insoles or worn-out bottom soles which may cause them to create squeaky sounds. If you have expensive leather sandals, high hill shoes, or one-of-a-kind patent leather shoes, instead of throwing them out when they get old to take them to a cobbler.

Sometimes all that is needed is a replacement of the bottom or insoles to stop the squeaky noise and your expensive pair is as good as new.

8. Create a habit of wearing socks

If you find your shoe squeaking and you have a tendency of wearing your shoe bare feet all the time then maybe it’s time for a change. As adults, we tend to sweat more through our feet more than children. As or sweaty feet rub against the insoles of or shoe it creates a squeaky noise. A simple solution to this problem is wearing socks.

Socks, especially cotton ones absorb a lot of moisture from our feet and act as an insulator. This reduces friction and stops the shoe from making squeaky noises.

9. Give your new shoes good wear time

New shoes are usually very squeaky and need quite a bit of time on your feet until they break in and settle comfortably on your feet. During this period they tend to be squeaky. In case this happens to have some patience and try wearing them indoors before taking them out.

This will help them get a good amount of wear time and prevent them from speaking for themselves in public.

10. Be cautious of defects

Sometimes you’re not at fault. If you can’t fix the squeaky noise by applying any of the solutions then be sure to check for defects. While most of the shoe companies have a great yield, in some cases something goes wrong in the production and causes defects in your shoes. This production line defects can cause a serious level of squeaky noise.

In case this happens, be sure to return them to the retailer to the shop you bought them from. You can choose 3 of the following after returning them.

• Ask for a refund
• Ask for a new pair
• Ask for a free repair

choose whichever suits you and stay one step away from the squeaky noise.

11. By repairing loose parts of the shoe

Whether your insole or the outer sole is loose, it may cause noise when you walk wearing the shoe. Between these two outmost parts of the sole, there are more layers of isolation. But most of the time, these two parts get loose after a long time of use.

But there’s no need to worry, as the solution two both of these problems is easy.

• Repairing loose insole

If the source of the sound is from the inside of the shoes, it’s likely that you have a loose insole. This looseness causes the insole to slide on top of the midsole. This causes your shoe to squeak. To prevent this from happening you can easily use glue to stick the insole in a fixed place.

In order to glue the insole in its place, first, you have to take the insole out. If the insole isn’t fully detached from the midsole, you have to peel it off very carefully so it’s doesn’t get damaged. Now clean the bottom part of the insole by blowing away any visible dust. Then apply super glue and put it down in its place and give it a few seconds to dry. This will stop any squeaky noise caused by the loose insole.

• Repairing loose sole

The loose bottom sole makes the worst kind of noise. It not only squeaks as you walk but also makes a clapping sound and provides you with unwanted attention. To save yourself from this embarrassment and the irritating noise you must fix this immediately.

Just get some super glue and apply it to the gap where the outer sole has come loose. Now apply pressure from the opposite holding it down on any hard surface for a few moments. Keep this up until it’s glued together permanently and you’re good to go.

Final Verdict

Squeaky noise on shoes is not something that only sounds wrong and annoying but also just feels odd at your feet as well. A squeaky shoe can lower your confidence and make you feel like getting rid of them for good. But now, instead of throwing away your pair, you can consider repairing them.

Even though the art of repairing shoes may take a lot of time to master, but with the tips given you can do a pretty good job of repairing as by yourself. As a shoe lover, we understand how emotional and valuable the chance to keep your favorite pair of shoes can be.

Read Also: How to Soundproof A Room Cheaply – In 12 Ways Effectively

So now that you know how to stop shoes from squeaking on hard floors, find the material needed, and get to work. Do let us know which remedy you used to get clear of the squeakiness and if you have some more interesting methods let us know in the comment section.

Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Rogers Weber

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