Most squeaky shoes are fixed in one of three ways: dust talcum powder under the insole to stop it rubbing, dry the shoes out thoroughly, or scuff a slick new outsole so it grips instead of chirping. The right fix depends on where the noise comes from, so start by finding it.
In this guide
Step 1: Find where the squeak comes from
Put the shoes on and walk slowly on a hard floor. Rock from heel to toe, then twist the shoe in your hands while holding it near your ear.
| Where you hear it | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the shoe, under your foot | Insole rubbing against the shoe bed | Powder under the insole |
| Underneath, only on smooth floors | Slick or wet outsole | Dry it, then lightly scuff the sole |
| Around the laces or tongue | Tongue rubbing on the upper | Condition the leather or powder the tongue |
| A squelch after rain or washing | Trapped moisture | Dry the shoes fully |
| A click or creak at the heel | Loose heel or separating sole | Re-glue or see a cobbler |
Fix 1: Powder under the insole
This is the most common cause and the easiest fix.
- Lift out the removable insole.
- Sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder, baby powder or cornflour into the shoe bed.
- Tilt the shoe so the powder reaches the edges, then refit the insole.
If the insole is glued in, work a little powder around its edges. The powder absorbs moisture and stops the two surfaces from rubbing. A thin dryer sheet or paper towel under the insole works in the same way.
Fix 2: Dry the shoes properly
Water trapped between layers of the sole squelches with every step.
- Remove the insoles and loosen the laces.
- Stuff the shoes with plain paper and replace it when it gets damp.
- Leave them in a warm, airy room for 24 hours. Avoid direct heat, which can warp the shoe and weaken the glue.
Fix 3: Stop a noisy outsole
New rubber soles are very smooth, and they squeak on polished floors, tiles and gym surfaces.
- Wipe the soles clean and dry.
- Rub the outsole lightly with fine sandpaper (120 to 220 grit), just enough to dull the shine.
- Or simply wear the shoes outside on pavement for a few days; the surface roughens naturally.
Related: How to Get Grass Stains Out of Shoes (4 Methods)
Fix 4: Quiet the tongue and leather uppers
Leather rubbing on leather creaks, especially when it is dry.
- Apply leather conditioner to the tongue, the lace area and any panels that rub together.
- For fabric tongues, dust a little powder along the edges where they touch the upper.
- Polish and condition stiff new leather shoes; the noise usually fades as they break in.
Fix 5: Repair loose heels and soles
If the heel block moves, or a section of sole has started to lift, air and friction in the gap will squeak. Re-glue small gaps with shoe adhesive, following our guide to fixing shoe sole separation. A loose heel on a dress shoe or boot is a job for a cobbler.
Why do new shoes squeak?
New shoes squeak because the outsole is still glossy, the leather is stiff, and the insole has not settled into the shoe bed. Most of this wears off within a week or two of normal use. If a brand-new pair squeaks from inside the sole unit itself, such as an air cushion, that is a manufacturing fault; return or exchange it instead of trying to repair it.
How to prevent squeaky shoes
- Dry shoes fully after rain before wearing them again.
- Rotate pairs so each has a day to air out.
- Condition leather shoes every month or two.
- Replace worn insoles, and make sure replacements are the right size so they do not slide. A shoe that fits well moves less; see how running shoes should fit.
Frequently asked questions
Does baby powder stop shoes from squeaking?
Yes, when the noise comes from the insole. A light dusting under the insole reduces friction and absorbs moisture.
Can I use WD-40 on squeaky shoes?
It can quiet leather-on-leather seams, but it stains suede and fabric and can weaken some glues. Leather conditioner is the safer option.
Why do my shoes squeak only when they are wet?
Water between the insole, midsole and outsole is being squeezed with each step. Drying the shoes completely usually ends the noise.
Will the squeak go away on its own?
In new shoes it often does as the soles scuff and the materials soften. In older shoes a new squeak usually means moisture or a part coming loose, so it is worth checking.
