Stop Shoes from Squeaking – Proven Methods to Silence Squeaky Shoes
If you’re tempted to buy a brand-new pair just to escape the noise, hold off for a moment! Those squeaks can be annoying—not just for you, but for your child, too, especially if they’re trying to focus during play or school. The good news is, you don’t always need new shoes to solve the problem. There are several simple and effective tricks to quiet those pesky squeaks once and for all. Let me show you how to fix it—and save your sanity (and your wallet) in the process!
Don’t Discard Your Kids’ Shoes Just Yet
Understanding why shoes squeak is the first step toward finding a solution. Many parents often overlook the underlying causes of squeaky shoes, which can vary from simple fit issues to more complex structural problems.
Are Your Kids’ Shoes Squeaking? – The 4 Most Common Reasons
First Reason: When shoes are not the right size, they can cause squeaking. Shoes that are too wide or too long allow the foot to move around, creating friction that leads to noise. This often happens with children’s shoes, as parents sometimes buy larger sizes to accommodate growing feet, not realizing it can lead to discomfort and noise. It’s crucial to ensure that your child’s shoes fit properly to avoid this issue. Check out the free virtual guide I’ve created—it’s a handy tool to help you accurately discover your child’s exact foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide) and perfect shoe size, all from the comfort of home!
Second Reason: Sometimes, the insole of a shoe doesn’t fit snugly against the outsole, which can create squeaky friction. This is often due to the materials used in the shoe or manufacturing inconsistencies. The gap between the insole and outsole can act as a cavity for sound amplification, making even minor movements cause audible noise. Checking the fit and alignment of the insoles can often reveal and rectify this problem
Third Reason: Shoes that have been exposed to moisture can squeak as they dry. Water can get trapped in the soles or between layers of material, leading to a squeaky sound with each step. This is especially common in rainy seasons or when children play in wet conditions, such as puddles or damp grass.
Fourth Reason: Wearing shoes without socks can cause squeaking due to increased friction and movement between the foot and the shoe. Socks help reduce this friction and can prevent squeaks. In addition to reducing noise, socks also provide a barrier against moisture and bacteria, promoting better foot hygiene.
Proven Methods to Silence Squeaky Shoes
Before diving into the tips below, double-check that your child is wearing the right shoe size and has socks on—that simple step can often make a world of difference in solving shoe squeaks!
First Method
One of the simplest solutions to stop shoes from squeaking is to use baby powder. Sprinkle a small amount of baby powder under the insoles to reduce friction between the insole and outsole. This method works particularly well for shoes that squeak due to friction. The powder acts as a lubricant, allowing the insoles to move more freely without creating noise.
How to Apply the Powder to Your Child’s Shoes
Step 1. Remove the insoles from the shoes.
Step 2. Sprinkle baby powder evenly across the bottom of the shoe.
Step 3. Replace the insoles and test the shoes for squeaks.
Second Method
WD-40 is a versatile product known for its ability to silence squeaks in various applications, including shoes. It can be particularly effective for shoes that squeak due to moisture or friction. The lubricant properties of WD-40 help to displace moisture and reduce friction between moving parts within the shoe.
How to Apply the Spray to Your Child’s Shoes
Step 1. Shake the bottle well before use.
Step 2. Remove the original insoles from the shoes.
Step 3. Spray the product inside the shoe, focusing on the heel area and around the toes.
Step 4. Wait 5 minutes to let the spray soak into the material.
Step 5. Put the insoles back in place.
Reach Out with Any Questions
As a passionate shoe fitter, I’m here to help you find the best solutions for your child’s footwear needs. If you have any questions or need personalized shoe recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out. My goal is to ensure that every step your child takes is comfortable and noise-free. Remember, the right pair of shoes can make a world of difference in your child’s comfort and foot health.
Thank you so much for this article! I had stopped wearing two pairs of shoes because they squeaked loudly when I walked. I used baby powder as you directed and the squeak is gone!
Kristin,
I am glad it worked out! Squeaky shoes are truly annoying, now you know how to STOP shoes from squeaking!
Very interesting. My son’s shoes are always squeaking and I guess I really didn’t think there was anything that could be done. He doesn’t like to wear socks though so I am not sure if the fixes will work. It is worth a try though as I do have baby powder and WD40 on hand. Heck, WD40 works on a lot of other things to stop squeaks, I found it very interesting that it would work on shoes 🙂
Matt’s Mom,
WD40 might help make your child’s shoes stop from squeaking. Remember that it is important for children to wear socks, since they act as a barrier between the feet and the shoes.
Shoes squeak because of friction between the inner sole and the sole of the shoe. Even the type of flooring can determine if the shoe will squeak or not. You can always apply powder inside the shoe to absorb any excess moisture. Take out the inner sole, spray the heel and the toe with WD40 and let it sit for 5 minutes then put the inner sole back in. Of course the shoes might just be faulty and in need of repair.
That is great advise and information! I am glad those methods have worked for you too! Thank you for sharing.
I never really put much thought into why shoes squeak, but the moisture from sweat and water makes perfect sense! Baby powder is something I always have around my house these days, so I will have to give it a try! WD40 is another great option, but is it okay to spray that chemical into a child’s shoe?
Tiffany,
Yes, it is okay to spray WD40 into a kids shoe. However, If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, try baby powder first, since you already have it in the house anyways! Let me know how it works out!
Wow,thanks for these great tips to stop shoes from squeaking. I never really thought about why they squeak or how to stop it but when my kids are running around squeaking all over as they go… well I just make sure when they take those shoes off they go into the pile of things to donate to charity.
Thank you, this will save me a big chunk of money.
Lynne,
I agree with you on the saving money part! Now you won’t have to throw them away or donate them!
Nice! I’ve never read an article on squeaky shoes. I would advise you to keep up the good work here. I always like reading about strange and odd things that pop into my head. Seriously! Today I was just sitting down at work bored and started thinking about what the benefits of eating sunflower seeds are. Or, the Health benefits of a Granny smith apple. Or, Why are crows so annoying? Through this I was able to discover the history of crows and come to find out they are some of the smartest creatures on the planet!
But I digress. I’ve had squeaky shoes before. Usually I just ignore it but it is a bit embarrassing. I have no idea why though. Thanks for the tips and keep ’em comin! 🙂
-Stu
Stu,
I am glad that you found the information valuable! I actually believe is a problem that most people don’t know the solution to, that is the reason why I created the post! I will keep them coming!