Squeaky shoes are an annoying problem that can make a person feel very obvious and loud when walking. A few reasons shoes may squeak include when materials in the shoe make contact with other parts of the shoe, if the foot is very sweaty and bare, and if any part of the heel is not well attached to the shoe’s upper. Another common reason for squeakiness is when the soles of shoes get wet, and this is usually easiest to remedy by simply drying the shoe.

There are a few methods advocated for fixing squeaky shoes. The first may work if shoes are squeaky because of friction between the inner sole and the bottom of the shoe. This method may not work if the inner sole is glued down, but when it can be easily removed, take it off and add cornstarch or baby powder before replacing it.

Others advocate using moisturizer in the shoe or on the foot to fix squeaky shoes. This might again be effective. Sometimes oil will help soften leather and make friction less noticeable. Types of oils needed to be selected with care especially if the shoes are made primarily of fabrics like canvas. Oil could soak through and stain the shoe.

Squeaky shoes can be the result if part of the heel or sole is not fully attached to the rest of the shoe. People can carefully inspect shoes and use superglue or even materials like Shoe GOO® Adhesive to fill in any cracks that appear. Repair of any loose attachments may help silence squeaky shoes.

Sometimes shoes squeak because they are poorly made. The first stop in fixing them might be to take them back to the store where they were purchased and get a different pair. People may try a lot of options before they do this and wear the shoe down so much or have it for so long that it can’t be returned. Noticing a squeak early and bringing it to the attention of the company that sold it may be the quickest way to get a pair of shoes that don’t make any noise.

As shoes age, they sometimes develop a squeak, and when the methods above have been tried, people may want to consult a good shoe repairperson, who may be able to find the problem and fix squeaky shoes. First, though, note if the squeak is only produced when wearing the shoe without socks. Sometimes the squeak isn’t being caused by the shoe, but is instead being caused by friction of a bare or sweaty foot rubbing against the shoe. Such squeaks may be fixed by wearing socks.