An audible squeaking when walking is a well-known phenomenon – it often occurs with new shoes, but sometimes also with shoes that have already been worn in. To fix the problem, it is first crucial to identify the cause: does the noise occur when walking, on the inside or outside of the shoe? With a few simple tips, the squeaking can usually be quickly remedied – and nothing stands in the way of a silent gait.
Once the cause of the squeaking has been identified, small tricks can be used to remedy the situation.
New leather shoes in particular tend to make a squeaking noise on the upper material. This is because the leather is still relatively stiff and will mould to the shape of your feet over time. In such cases, it is advisable to break in the shoes gently. You can also help the process along by treating the upper leather with a suitable shoe polish to keep it supple.
Rubber soles offer many advantages – their excellent grip on slippery surfaces makes them a popular choice. Think! also regularly uses soles made from natural latex. As a natural material, it fits perfectly with Think!'s sustainability philosophy. However, its strong adhesion to floors such as laminate, parquet or plastic can cause squeaking noises when walking. There is a simple tip that can help here: carefully roughen the sole with fine sandpaper – this will significantly reduce the squeaking.
If shoes start to squeak due to moisture, thorough drying is the first important step. It is advisable to remove the insole and dry it separately. Particularly important: leather should never be exposed to direct heat. Radiators or ovens are unsuitable for drying, as excessive temperatures remove the natural moisture from the material, causing it to become brittle and fragile.
A little tip to finish with: to absorb any remaining moisture, you can sprinkle a little talcum powder or baby powder inside the shoes – this will ensure a pleasantly dry environment inside the shoes.
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Sometimes squeaking is caused by new insoles – for example, when wearing a new pair of shoes or fitting familiar shoes with new insoles. In such cases, friction between the insole and the inner shoe may be the cause. Natural cork material in particular can cause slight rubbing on the leather inner surfaces due to its exact fit.
There is a simple solution to this problem: remove the insole, sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder or baby powder – about a pinch – evenly inside the shoe and then reinsert the insole. This usually prevents squeaking reliably.
Not all of the hacks that supposedly stop shoes from squeaking are to be recommended. Well-meant tips can even damage shoes. With a little knowledge, these common mistakes can be easily avoided:
1. Oil makes leather smooth - please, don't! Home remedies such as cooking oil should never be used on leather. They can leave unwanted stains, especially on dyed leather. A high-quality shoe polish is more suitable, as it gently cares for the leather, protects it and keeps it supple.
2. Never dry wet shoes on heat sources: Shoes should always be dried slowly and gently at room temperature. Direct heat sources such as radiators or ovens remove the natural moisture from the leather – the material can become brittle. Newspaper or a shoe tree also help to maintain the shape.
3. Myth: hairspray gets rid of the annoying squeaking: This trick should also be used with caution. Hairspray can impair the natural slip resistance of the leather and may even increase the squeaking. There is also a risk of discolouration or sticky residues in the shoe.
