Shopping :: How to Fix Squeaky Shoes

Is a pair of squeaky shoes driving you after dark point of insanity? Try these simple strategies to return your shoes to their normal, stealthy selves.

Option #1: Baby Powder Remove the insole and sprinkle within the shoe with baby or talcum powder. This is a catchall solution and is especially useful when it sounds like the squeak is originating from within the shoe (versus the outer sole, etc). Most in the time, the squeak is due to two parts with the shoe rubbing against the other person. By sprinkling baby powder on within the shoe, you might be reducing friction and thereby reducing noise. (Plus your feet will smell better too!)

Option #2: Glue the Heel If you think the noise is on its way from the heel area, it could mean that your heel is loose. Check to see when the shoe?s heel is securely attached. If not, use some kind of shoe glue (Shoe Goo, super glue or industrial rubber cement will all do the trick) to secure the heel available. Make sure the glue dries thoroughly! If the heel can also be attached with shoe nails, it could be necessary to tack in certain nails along with using the glue.

Option #3: Air ?Em Out Often shoes start squeaking once they get wet. The squeak might point to that there is still a little moisture within the shoe. Try removing the insoles and putting paper inside shoes to draw in the moisture out. You can also pop certain shoes inside the drier (with fabric softener) and thoroughly dry them doing this. (Make sure your shoes are drier-safe!)

Option #4: Soften Them Up Even though it will make you cringe to do it, rubbing lotion, oil or Vaseline into squeaky leather shoes may get rid of the squeak. Try to choose lotion or oil without having a lot of extra fluff added (i.e., you don?t need your shoes to smell of "spring rain" or "rose petals").

If the sneakers are old, the squeak would be the result of a loose sole, loose shank or worn down tread. If you happen to be feeling ambitious (and confident that you have correctly detected the squeak?s source), you are able to resole your shoes at home. If not, take your shoes to your cobbler or shoe repairman who are able to identify the squeak?s source and hopefully repair. If your squeaky shoes are new, don?t be afraid to take it to the store in which you purchased them. The salesman may be able to exchange your shoes for the non-squeaky pair, provide you with a refund or assist you to figure out the source in the squeak.