An inevitable truth that many of us face in our daily life is that boots – no matter how stylish or comfortable – can sometimes develop a rather unappealing characteristic: a constant, annoying squeak with each step. Whether in a library, a meeting, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk, the squeaking sound can disrupt the calm or professional ambience, causing quite an embarrassment.
The simplest way to make your boots stop squeaking would be to remove the removable insoles and put talcum powder between the innersole and the footbed. This will create a protective layer that will make the boots much quieter. You can use baby powder, corn starch or coconut oil as alternatives to talcum powder.
Why Do Boots Squeak?
There are a few reasons why your boots might be squeaking when you walk:
- Friction: This is the most common cause of squeaky shoes. The squeak may be coming from the friction between the shoe’s materials. It could be from the insoles rubbing against the interior, the bottom of the shoe rubbing against the floor, or even the upper parts of the shoe rubbing together.
- Moisture: Water or sweat can also lead to squeaky shoes. Moisture can be trapped between the soles of your shoe, causing a squeak when you walk. If your shoes got wet recently and then started squeaking, this could be the problem.
- Wear and tear: If your boots are worn out, some parts may separate or move around more, causing a squeaking noise. If your shoe’s heel is loose or the insole is worn out, it could be causing the squeak.
- Manufacturing defect: If your boots are new and squeaking, it might be due to some fault in manufacturing. Maybe the insole wasn’t fitted properly, or some extra material is rubbing and causing the squeak.
How to Stop Boots from Squeaking
1. Loose Insoles
The noise can be due to friction between the shoe and the insole for squeaky boots with removable insoles. To address this:
- Carefully remove the insole from each boot. If it’s stuck, gently pry it loose with your fingers, ensuring not to tear it.
- Inspect the insole and the inside of the boot for any noticeable damage. If the insole is worn out, consider replacing it. You can find quality insoles in shoe stores or online.
- If the insole is in good condition, sprinkle some baby powder, baking soda, or cornstarch on the bottom of the shoe before replacing the insole. These substances help reduce friction, thus eliminating the squeaking noise.
- Once the powder is sprinkled, replace the insole, ensuring it’s fitted correctly and securely. Walk around to test the effectiveness.
2. Dealing with Water Trapped Inside the Boot
Boots can squeak if water gets trapped between the soles or between the shoe’s sole and upper part. This is common with boots used in wet conditions. To resolve this issue:
Remove the insoles if possible.
- Fill the boot with crumpled newspaper or paper towels. These will help absorb any moisture inside.
- Leave the boots in a dry, well-ventilated area, preferably not in direct sunlight or near heat sources, which can cause the material to crack.
- Once completely dry, replace the insoles and test the boots for squeaking.
3. Addressing Worn Down or Poor-Quality Soles
Squeaking can be a symptom of worn-out soles or poor-quality materials. If this is the case, here’s what you can do:
Purchase a shoe adhesive or glue designed for footwear. These can be found online or in shoe repair stores.
Carefully apply the adhesive where the sole meets the upper part of the boot. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Let the adhesive dry for the recommended time before testing your boots again.
4. Maintaining and Conditioning Your Boots
Sometimes, your boots need a little TLC. The materials can rub against each other, causing a squeaking sound. This is especially common with leather boots. To take care of your boots:
- Buy a high-quality leather conditioner. If your boots are made of another material, find a suitable conditioner for that material.
- Clean your boots thoroughly before applying the conditioner. Let them dry.
- Apply the conditioner as per the instructions on the product. Typically, it involves rubbing the conditioner into the material and letting it sit for a while before wiping it off.
- Conditioning stops the squeak and improves the lifespan and look of your boots.
5. Use Baby Powder
Apply baby powder: Sprinkle a generous amount of baby powder into the boots, focusing on where the squeaking occurs. Make sure to distribute the powder evenly inside the boots. You can also sprinkle some powder on the insoles if necessary.
Spread the powder: After applying the baby powder, shake the boots gently or use your hands to spread the powder evenly throughout the interior. This will help the powder reach all the areas where friction is causing the squeaking.
Allow time for absorption: Let the baby powder sit inside the boots for a few hours or overnight. This will give the powder enough time to absorb any moisture and reduce the friction causing the squeaking.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, squeaky boots don’t have to be a perpetual nuisance. You can enjoy your quiet walks again with a little effort and the right approach. Remember, if you’ve tried everything and the squeak persists, it might be time to seek professional help from a cobbler.
They have the experience and tools to diagnose and fix more complicated issues. But for most squeaks, a simple at-home solution is all you’ll need to march on in silence.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.