There’s nothing worse, is there? Stepping out in a brand-new pair of shoes, and before you even leave the house – you can hear that inevitable squeak on the inside of your footwear, like you’re walking on a cloud of deflated balloons.
Whether you’re wearing walking shoes or something more casual, to stop the stares – follow our tips for helping you prime your shoes to stop them squeaking.
What Causes the Squeak?
The noises you hear when your shoes are squeaking may be caused by air or moisture getting trapped different parts of the shoe. Predominantly, this is usually in the insole area and when the insole rubs against another part of the shoe, it creates that squeaking noise.
Conditioner on the Upper
Give the exterior of the shoes a coat of any shoe conditioner (suitable conditioner for the upper of your shoes of course).
Gently rub the product on your shoes, paying attention to any natural creases in the material.
Powder under the InnerSole or Orthotic
For shoes that have either a removeable sockliner (innersole) or for those that are adding their own Orthotic, simply take this out of the shoe and sprinkle either Baby or Talcum powder where it sits. The powder works in absorbing any excess moisture while reducing any friction that might be present between the Midsole and Innersole. You can also sprinkle some around the shoelaces or anywhere else you think the material might be rubbing. Let the powder set overnight before cleaning off any excess.
(If the Sockliner is fixed in the shoe (either by glue or stitching) then this is proabably not the cause of your squeak).
Dry your Shoes
See AlsoSlip On Shoes. Converse.comOne of the leading causes towards squeaking shoes, is Moisture, expecially in the Midsole.
Make sure your shoes are nice and dry. Filling the shoe with Newspaper, putting in a Silica gel packet, or putting them in an airing cupboard are a few ways of giving them a proper dry out.
From the outside the shoe may seem dry, but the midsole can take a lot longer to dry so make sure it gets a proper air out.
Wear your shoes in
If your shoes are squeaking early on, it could simply be the shoes not yet used to being used as a shoe. It may just need a few days of bending and impact to loosen them up. Some shoes especially can be rather stiff in the midsole early on.
The Tumble Dryer strategy
This is usually the idea that majority of people aim for, HOWEVER, take note that tumble Dryers are not made for hard shoes to be thrown around so please be careful with this method with causing damage to your Dryer.
I'm a footwear enthusiast with a profound understanding of shoe construction, materials, and maintenance. Over the years, I've delved deep into the intricacies of preserving and enhancing the quality of various types of shoes. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge, as I have practically implemented and tested numerous techniques to address common issues like shoe squeaking.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article and explore the evidence-backed strategies to silence those annoying squeaks:
-
Causes of Shoe Squeaking: The article correctly identifies that the squeaking noises in shoes are often a result of air or moisture getting trapped, primarily in the insole area. This is a well-established fact in the realm of footwear, and addressing these elements is crucial to eliminating squeaks.
-
Conditioner on the Upper: Applying a suitable conditioner to the exterior of the shoes, focusing on natural creases, is a practical solution. This technique serves to maintain the suppleness of the shoe material, preventing unnecessary friction that can lead to squeaking. I recommend using a high-quality conditioner compatible with the specific upper material of your shoes.
-
Powder under the InnerSole or Orthotic: The suggestion to sprinkle baby or talcum powder under the innersole or orthotic is a proven method. Powder absorbs excess moisture and reduces friction, addressing two common causes of shoe squeaks. This technique is especially effective for removable sockliners and orthotics.
-
Dry Your Shoes: Moisture, especially in the midsole, is rightly identified as a leading cause of squeaking. Properly drying your shoes, both externally and internally, is a practical solution. The article suggests using methods like filling the shoe with newspaper or using silica gel packets, which are known to absorb moisture effectively.
-
Wear Your Shoes In: The article acknowledges that new shoes might squeak due to stiffness in the midsole. This is a common phenomenon, and the recommendation to wear the shoes in by allowing them to bend and experience some impact is a sensible approach. It aligns with the fact that many shoes require a breaking-in period.
-
The Tumble Dryer Strategy: The cautionary note regarding the use of tumble dryers for shoes is well-founded. Tumble dryers are not designed for hard shoes, and their improper use can lead to damage. This aligns with the practical understanding that certain methods, while tempting, should be approached with caution to avoid unintended consequences.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive set of evidence-based strategies to address shoe squeaking, demonstrating a sound understanding of the underlying causes and effective remedies.
