Diagnose the Source

Walk around and pinch different parts of the shoe while walking to isolate the squeak:

  • Under the insole: Most common. Remove the insole and check if squeaking stops — if so, friction between insole and shoe base is the cause.
  • Outsole (bottom of the shoe): Often squeaks on smooth floors. Caused by the outsole material gripping and releasing the surface.
  • Heel area: Heels can squeak when the heel counter (the firm back of the shoe) rubs against the upper material.
  • Tongue or upper: Leather or synthetic materials rubbing against each other.

Fix 1: Baby Powder Under the Insole (Most Common Fix)

  1. 1

    Remove the insole

    Most insoles lift out easily. If they are glued, do not force them.

  2. 2

    Sprinkle baby powder or talcum powder in the shoe

    Sprinkle a thin layer of baby powder (or talcum powder, corn starch, or baking soda) in the shoe base. Replace the insole. The powder reduces friction between the two surfaces and eliminates the squeak. Reapply as needed over time.

Fix 2: Outsole Squeaking on Floors

Lightly sand the outsole with coarse sandpaper to roughen the surface slightly — this reduces the grip-release squeak on smooth floors. Or rub the outsole with a dryer sheet. Both reduce the smooth contact that causes the squeak.

Fix 3: Leather or Upper Squeaking

Apply a small amount of leather conditioner, saddle soap or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the area where surfaces rub together. The lubricant eliminates the friction squeak. Buff off excess with a cloth.

Fix 4: Squeaky Heel

Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly or wax along the inside heel area where the shoe back meets your heel. This lubricates the surfaces and stops the rub squeak. For shoes with a removable heel pad, add padding or replace the heel pad.

Wet shoe squeakIf shoes squeak only when wet, they likely have water trapped between the insole and midsole. Dry thoroughly — remove insoles and stuff with newspaper, leave in a warm ventilated area. Avoid direct heat. Once fully dry, the squeak usually resolves.

Frequently Asked Questions

New shoes have stiffer materials that flex and rub against each other before they soften through use. The insole is often the culprit in new shoes — applying baby powder under it usually resolves new-shoe squeaking immediately. With wear, materials soften and mould slightly to your foot, reducing the friction that causes squeaking.
Yes — if home fixes do not resolve the squeak, a cobbler can diagnose more structural causes: a delaminating sole that needs re-glueing, a loose heel counter, or a worn heel that needs replacing. Cobbler repairs are usually $20–60 and are worthwhile for quality shoes.