Find Where the Squeak Is Coming From

Walk on different surfaces and press different parts of the shoe to isolate the squeak. Is it the inner sole moving? The outer sole? A specific part of the upper? Different causes need different fixes.

Fix 1: Squeak from the Insole (Most Common)

  1. 1

    Remove the insole

    Pull out the removable insole (if your shoe has one).

  2. 2

    Apply baby powder or petroleum jelly

    Sprinkle baby powder (or talcum powder) along the bottom of the insole cavity — the inside of the shoe where the insole sits. Alternatively rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the underside of the insole. Either lubricates the friction causing the squeak.

  3. 3

    Replace the insole and test

    Put the insole back in and walk around. The squeak should be gone immediately. If not, try more powder or jelly.

Fix 2: Squeak from the Outer Sole (Rubber on Floor)

  1. 4

    Apply baby powder to the outer sole edges

    Sprinkle baby powder around the welt (where the upper meets the sole) and along the outer edges of the sole. This reduces friction between the sole and the ground, especially on polished or smooth floors.

  2. 5

    Scuff new soles slightly

    Brand new shoe soles are often too smooth and squeak on smooth floors. Scuff the sole gently with sandpaper to roughen the surface slightly.

Fix 3: Squeak from the Upper (Leather Shoes)

  1. 6

    Condition the leather

    Leather squeaking against itself or against the sole often quietens with leather conditioner. Apply to the tongue, the inside of the shoe and any leather-on-leather contact points.

Water-damaged shoesSqueaking that starts after wearing shoes in wet conditions is often caused by water trapped between the sole layers. Remove insoles, stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture and let dry completely for 24–48 hours in a warm (not hot) environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

New shoes often squeak because the materials are stiff and moving against each other — soles are smooth, insoles have not bedded in, and leather is not yet conditioned. Baby powder under the insole and conditioning leather usually resolves it within days of normal wear.
The insole rubbing against the shoe interior is the most common internal squeak cause. If powder under the insole does not fix it, check whether the insole itself is damaged or delaminating. Also check whether the tongue is rubbing against the lacing system.