Why do shoes squeak?

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Squeaky shoes can be caused by friction, loose heels, and excess moisture. Stiff leather shoes can be fixed with a leather conditioner, while loose heels and inner soles can be repaired at a shoe store. Wet shoes should be dried immediately to prevent squeaking.

Friction, a loose heel, and excess moisture are some of the most common causes of squeaky shoes. Some shoes can squeak when new, and the problem eventually goes away as they break in and become more flexible. Some types of shoes can squeak as a result of defects in the manufacturing process. Fixing squeaky shoes is fairly simple in most cases, and some people find that certain remedies work well depending on the type of shoe material and the source of the noise.

Stiff leather shoes can often squeak due to dryness, and this problem can usually be fixed by applying a leather conditioner to the shoes. Saddle soap is another shoe care product that can also moisturize leather. These products are often left to soak in the shoes overnight to soften the leather and reduce squeaking. Some lace-up leather shoes can also squeak due to friction between the shoe’s tongue and the tied laces, so applying a thin layer of conditioner to the shoe’s tongue usually solves this problem.

The heels on some types of formal dress shoes can loosen over time, creating a squeaky noise every time the wearer takes a step. The sound results from the friction between the heel and the bottom of the shoe. A similar problem can happen if the inner sole becomes loose. Some people find the exact source of the squeak hard to find at first, and it usually helps to have a friend check for squeaky heels or shoe soles as you take a few steps. In both cases, squeaky shoes can usually be calmed with some simple repairs at a shoe store.

Water-registered shoes are often prone to squeaking, especially if water seeps under rubber soles or between the heel and bottom of the shoe. While getting your shoes wet from the rain is sometimes unavoidable, squeaky shoes can become a noticeable problem if they aren’t dried right away. Even when shoe parts are not initially loose, excess moisture can lead to vibratory friction that produces sound. Depending on their material, wet, squeaky shoes can usually be dried with a hair dryer or in a clothes dryer on warm, low settings. Shoes made of more delicate leather are often allowed to air dry before dusting the inside with talcum powder to absorb any remaining moisture.




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