How to Fix Squeaky Boots – Do this Instead!

Boots are a wardrobe essential for both women and men. They help keep the feet dry, warm, as well as present a functional, ready-for-anything tone. However, squeaky boots are indisputably annoying and tend to draw needless attention from other individuals. Happily, there are easy and fast ways to solve your squeaky boot concern. Read this post to know why your boots are making that creaky sound plus how to fix the problem.

Find the Origin of the Squeak

Wear the boots and walk around the surrounding area. While walking around, listen attentively for unwanted sounds like creaks, scuffs, and squeaks. Check to see if you can detect the source of the sound. The squeaky boot sound may come from within your booths, in which case the insoles are possibly the problem.

See also: How to Break In Work Boots Fast

The creaking sound may also come from the underside of your boots, which is typically caused by the sole having too little or too much traction. If you discover that the creaking is on the sides and top of the boots, the problem may be due to the friction created when the tongue rubs against the overlapping sidewalls. No matter the source of the sound, there is no need to worry as it can easily be taken care of.

How to Make Boots Stop Squeaking

Method 1: Use Talcum Powder

Use this technique if the source of the squeaking is within the boots. If your new boots creak and the creaking sound does not go away after a few days, you should consider asking for a replacement. New boots that creak are an indication of poor glue work on the soles, and you might void the warranty if you take out the insoles when trying to resolve the problem.

Materials you will need

• Talcum powder or baby powder
• Coconut oil, napkin, or narrow paper towel

Instructions

1. Take out the insoles. Most insoles will come apart with a simply prying motion. If you are not able to remove the insole this way, they are possibly glued down to the base. If your boot’s insole is glued down to the base, you can tear it out and later re-glue it using contact cement.
2. Once the insoles are out, apply a coat of talcum or baby powder to the interior of the boots. Ensure that the powder is evenly distributed around the base of each boot. Coconut oil, a napkin, or a narrow paper towel can also work well for this purpose.
3. Put back the insoles on the boots ensuring that each insole fits properly into its original position.
4. As you wear your boots to work or other activities, the talcum powder will wear away due to moisture absorption. When this occurs, your boots may begin to squeak again. You can resolve the problem by applying another coat of powder to the underside of each insole.

See also: How to Tell If Boots are Too Big

Method 2: Use Dryer Sheets

Use this method if the squeaking appears to come from underneath the boots and the insoles do not move out of place when you walk.

Materials you will need:

• Warm water
• Clean fabric
• Dryer sheet or sandpaper

Instructions

1. Take the clean fabric and run it under warm water, after which you wring it out
2. Get rid of grime and dirt from the rubber soles using the moist fabric. Ensure you also remove all dirt trapped within the grooves of the sole
3. After cleaning the soles, wipe them dry using a clean dry fabric. You can also opt to let the boots air dry. Just remember that this technique can only work if there is no moisture on the boots.
4. Take the dryer sheet and hold it flat within your hand.
5. Take one of the boots and rub the dryer sheet firmly against the underside of the sole ensuring the residue is properly spread over the whole surface. Get another dryer sheet and repeat this process on the sole of the other boot. The dryer sheet residue will stick to the underside of the soles thereby lubricating it lightly. This will help eliminate the squeaking sound.

If you discover the creaking is especially serious on very smooth surfaces, the squeaking sound will likely not disappear with this light lubrication. You can create extra grip by roughing up the boot’s soles. Get a sandpaper sheet of 60 – 120 grit and place it within your palm. Next, lightly scrape the underside of your soles using sandpaper. Take care not to wear out the outsole material. This will rough up the soles as well as prevent creaking on slick surfaces.

See also: How to Stretch Work Boots

Method 3: Use Conditioning Oil

Use this method if the squeaking is from the sides and top of the boots

Materials you will need:

• Conditioning oil (also called boot oil or leather conditioner)
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Clean cloth

Instructions:

1. Remove the boot’s laces
2. Get rid of excess dirt on the boots using the stiff-bristled brush
3. Apply the leather conditioner to the back, sides, and tongue of the boots using a clean cloth. Ensure that the leather is well lubricated. The boot oil will help soften as well as protect the leather whilst preventing noisy squeaking