3 Ways To Fix Squeaky Shoes - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fix Squeaky Shoes PDF download Download Article Dry your squeaky shoes or use these DIY methods to get rid of annoying squeaks Co-authored by Victor Adrian

Last Updated: June 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Trying Easy Fixes
    • |
  • Fixing a Persistently Squeaky Shoe
    • |
  • Drying Wet Shoes
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Victor Adrian. Victor Adrian is a Footwear Expert based in London, UK. He is a Researcher, Tester, and Editor for BestForMyFeet.com, a leading footwear and footcare blog that discusses the importance of wearing the right footwear for the right occasion. Adrian is well-versed in determining which type of footwear is ideal for a variety of work and casual environments thanks to his vast working experience in different types of industries. He teams up with footwear professionals to test products and create comprehensive product reviews and comparisons that help readers choose the ideal footwear for their needs. Additionally, he collaborates with US board-certified podiatrists and foot doctors in order to make sure the information his team provides is always accurate. Adrian studied Biochemistry at the I.E.S. Calderon de la Barca Institute. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,194,736 times.

Squeaky shoes can be an annoyance to you and those nearby. Squeaking can be caused by manufacturing mistakes, wear and tear, or moisture trapped in the shoe. There are many home remedies for shoe repair, but if the problem lies in an internal component, you'll need to take the shoes to a cobbler.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Trying Easy Fixes

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Fix Squeaky Shoes 1 Locate the problem. Walk back and forth with your shoes, then rock your feet forward and back, then left to right. When you find the motion that causes the squeak, look for the parts of the shoe that bend during that motion.
    • Try having a friend crouch near the floor and listen carefully while you walk.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fix Squeaky Shoes 2 Sprinkle with powder. Once you know what part of the shoe is squeaking, sprinkle that area with baby powder, corn starch, or baking powder. This will absorb noisy moisture, and reduce noise from two shoe parts rubbing together. Here are a few common problem areas and how to fix them:
    • If the inside of the shoe squeaks, lift the insoles and sprinkle powder along the inner seam. If your insoles are non-removable, rub the powder into the edge of your shoe base.[1]
    • Powder the tongue of the shoe under the laces if the tongue squeaks.
    • If the base of the shoe squeaks, there are probably air cushions. Massage the powder into the base at the seam or air bubble.[2]
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  3. Step 3 Swab with WD40 or silicone spray. 3 Swab with WD40 or silicone spray. These are more effective at removing squeaks than leather conditioner, but require careful application to avoid damage. Spray one of these lubricants onto a cotton swab or cotton ball. Rub it into the outside seam of the shoe, working along the squeaky area or its entire outline.[3]
    • Don’t use oil-based materials on suede or the fuzzy nap could be destroyed.
  4. Step 4 Rub with leather conditioner. 4 Rub with leather conditioner. If you are using leather shoes, keep them lubricated by rubbing in a leather conditioner and buffing with a dry cloth. Be sure to purchase suede conditioner for suede shoes, not general purpose leather conditioner.[4]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Fixing a Persistently Squeaky Shoe

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  1. Step 1 Know the return policy before trying these methods. 1 Know the return policy before trying these methods. If you are trying to fix a new shoe, the squeak may be a manufacturing defect that makes you eligible for a refund or replacement. Using glue or other heavy-duty materials may void your warranty.
  2. Step 2 Try saddle soap. 2 Try saddle soap. Saddle soap is controversial among owners of fine leather shoes. Some claim it causes the leather to dry out, while others find it harmless. If you're willing to take this risk, apply saddle soap in small quantities to the problem area, and buff with a dry cloth. This may be particularly effective on a squeaky tongue.
    • Never use saddle soap on suede.
  3. Step 3 Glue on loose heels. 3 Glue on loose heels. This should only be done if none of the "easy fixes" above work, since excess glue can easily damage or stain shoes. If the shoe heel is loose, use a small dab super glue or rubber cement to reattach it firmly, pressing together for several seconds until the adhesive begins to take hold.
    • This will not work on urethane shoes.
    • Take expensive high heels to a shoe repair shop instead to avoid the risk of damage.
  4. Step 4 Fill damaged soles with silicone caulk. 4 Fill damaged soles with silicone caulk. Purchase a tube of silicone caulking material with a squeeze top, or a specialized silicone product for shoe repair. Stick the nozzle of the tube into an open space between the shoe and the sole, and slowly squirt it in until the void is filled. Clamp the shoe together with rubber bands, weights, or hardware clamps and let dry overnight.
  5. Step 5 Take the shoes to a repair shop. 5 Take the shoes to a repair shop. Take the shoes to a cobbler or repair shop and ask for advice, or hire someone to fix it for you. About half of squeaky shoes squeak due to a loose shank inside the shoe, or another problem that should be left to a professional.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Drying Wet Shoes

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  1. Step 1 Check the cause of squeaking in your wet shoes. 1 Check the cause of squeaking in your wet shoes. Many shoes are only squeaky when wet. Sometimes, this is just the sound made by rubber soles on linoleum, hard wood, or other slick floor materials. Other shoes swell up or develop structural issues when wet that cause squeaking, and these can be treated using the other methods on this page. Either way, the drying methods in this section will teach you to dry your shoes quickly and effectively, without causing damage to the shoe.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Fix Squeaky Shoes 2 Remove the insoles. If you shoes have removable insoles, take them out and dry them separately to speed up the process.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Fix Squeaky Shoes 3 Stuff the shoes with newspaper. Bunch up the dry paper and fit it into the shoe. Press the first piece all the way into the toe for maximum absorbency.[5]
  4. Step 4 Use a cedar shoe tree if possible. 4 Use a cedar shoe tree if possible. A "shoe tree" is a branched object inserted into the shoe instead of newspaper, meant to maintain the shoe's shape while it dries. A shoe tree made of cedar is especially effective, since the wood will wick moisture out of the shoe.
  5. Step 5 Leave on its side at room temperature. 5 Leave on its side at room temperature. Rest the shoe on its side or prop it against a wall so the sole of the shoe is exposed to the air while drying. Dry in a warm room, but not next to any heat sources.[6]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do you stop leather boots from squeaking? Moe Draper Moe Draper Shoe Care & Repair Specialist Moe Draper is a Shoe Care and Repair Specialist based in Detroit, Michigan. Moe is the Owner of Detroit Shoe Shine and Shoe Repair. With over 20 years of experience as a cobbler, Moe specializes in shoe shining, cosmetic restorations for quality leather goods, and minor/major shoe repair services. Moe and his staff at Detroit Shoe Shine and Repair have over 30 years of combined experience and knowledge. In addition to his brick and mortar business, Moe has a mobile shoe repair business where he travels to perform shoe shines for clients. Moe frequently gives back to his community by offering his services to law enforcement officers and other valued patrons. Moe and his business were featured for their work in the community in the Detroit Free Press. Moe Draper Moe Draper Shoe Care & Repair Specialist Expert Answer The best way to stop leather boots from squeaking is to take your boots to your local shoe repair store or shoe cobbler. Shoe squeaks are caused by a hole or rip in the sole (or somewhere on the shoe) that has allowed moisture to enter. Many times, a professional can take the shoe apart and re-glue your soles to eliminate the squeaks. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
  • Question Should I take my Brooks shoes to the shop if they squeak, or should I use baby powder or WD40 with a cotton ball, or some other method? Community Answer Community Answer Try the baby powder and the cotton balls first, and if that doesn't work, take them to the shop. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18
  • Question How can I fix squeaky flip flops? Community Answer Community Answer To fix a squeaky flip flop, you need to put butter or oil on them. It'll feel uncomfortable for a little bit, but you'll get used to it as it dries and absorbs. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 25 Helpful 17
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • If your squeaky shoes are new, you may be able to return them to the store for a refund or free repair. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Drying wet shoes with a strong heat source can cause warping and damage. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 6
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Stop Your Shoes from SqueakingHow to Stop Squeaky Shoes (+ Why They Squeak in the First Place) Get Squeaks Out of Air Jordan SneakersHow toGet Squeaks Out of Air Jordan Sneakers How toStop Leather Boots from Squeaking Get Your Orthotics to Stop SqueakingHow toGet Your Orthotics to Stop Squeaking Fix Cracked Leather ShoesHow to Repair Cracked Leather Shoes Fix Wet Suede ShoesHow toFix Wet Suede Shoes Clean Leather ShoesHow toClean Leather Shoes Remove Creases from Dress ShoesHow toRemove Creases from Dress Shoes How toShrink Shoes Fix Suede ShoesHow toFix Suede Shoes Repair Peeling ShoesHow to Repair Peeling Shoes (Faux Leather & Cracked Leather) How toFreshen Smelly Shoes Repair ShoesHow to Fix Scuffs, Cuts, Holes, and Blisters in Your Shoes Keep Your Shoes from StinkingHow toKeep Your Shoes from Stinking Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fixing shoes, check out our in-depth interview with Victor Adrian.

References

  1. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/-Xv0c_dj5oM?t=33
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/fqY7O0ZX8Ns?t=62
  4. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-effectively-dry-wet-shoes/
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14D5fzIWdAU

About This Article

Victor Adrian Co-authored by: Victor Adrian Footwear Expert This article was co-authored by Victor Adrian. Victor Adrian is a Footwear Expert based in London, UK. He is a Researcher, Tester, and Editor for BestForMyFeet.com, a leading footwear and footcare blog that discusses the importance of wearing the right footwear for the right occasion. Adrian is well-versed in determining which type of footwear is ideal for a variety of work and casual environments thanks to his vast working experience in different types of industries. He teams up with footwear professionals to test products and create comprehensive product reviews and comparisons that help readers choose the ideal footwear for their needs. Additionally, he collaborates with US board-certified podiatrists and foot doctors in order to make sure the information his team provides is always accurate. Adrian studied Biochemistry at the I.E.S. Calderon de la Barca Institute. This article has been viewed 1,194,736 times. 5 votes - 76% Co-authors: 16 Updated: June 8, 2025 Views: 1,194,736 Categories: Shoe Repairs Article SummaryX

If your shoes are squeaky and you want to fix them, walk back and forth, rocking your feet forwards and back, then side to side. When you find the motion that causes the squeak, look for the parts of the shoe that bend during that motion. Sprinkle those parts of the shoe with baby powder, cornstarch, or baking powder. If that doesn’t work, try oiling the squeak with a little silicone spray or leather conditioner. If you think your shoe is squeaking because of a loose heel, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Lee Webber

    Lee Webber

    Nov 24, 2018

    "Read your article and thought about my squeaky cowboys boots that drove me crazy. Decided to try working on the..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Victor Adrian Co-authored by: Victor Adrian Footwear Expert 5 votes - 76% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 16 Updated: June 8, 2025 Views: 1,194,736 Lee Webber

Lee Webber

Nov 24, 2018

"Read your article and thought about my squeaky cowboys boots that drove me crazy. Decided to try working on the..." more Matiana Saldana

Matiana Saldana

Apr 22, 2019

"It helps just to know all the fixes for shoes, especially if they are gorgeous, good-fitting shoes that are hard to..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 1, 2016

"The article was simple, easy to read and understand. I love that. Plus it seemed like credible advice and options!..." more M. T.

M. T.

Jun 28, 2017

"Powder helped with my squeaky shoes. They were my favorite and I thought I had to get rid of them. " Rated this article: Brad Shively

Brad Shively

Nov 16, 2019

"My Nike shoes do not make a sound after removing the insoles, and no powder was needed. Great info!" Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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