Boots may squeak due to trapped moisture, friction between materials, or loose insoles. To remedy the issue, try drying out the boots, applying talcum powder or leather conditioner, securing the insoles with double-sided tape, or using an anti-squeak spray. If the problem persists, consult a professional cobbler.
If you love a good pair of boots… then you may have noticed that… sometimes… they can be noisy… Depending on the materials used… the style and design… and even the weather… boots can squeak when you walk.
Boots can squeak for a variety of reasons… ranging from the materials used in their construction to the way you’re wearing them… Even when you’ve just taken them out of their box… new boots can squeak or make irritating noises as you walk.
Why Your Boots May Squeak When You Walk:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Newness | When boots are brand new, the leather, rubber, or other materials may rub against each other, causing a squeaking noise. This is often temporary and will go away as the boots are worn in. |
| Moisture | Moisture or water can get trapped in the sole of the boots, causing a squeaking noise when walking. This can happen when boots are worn in wet conditions or when they are cleaned and not fully dried. |
| Poor Quality | Boots made with lower-quality materials may be more likely to squeak when walking, as the materials may not fit together as well or may wear down more quickly. |
| Loose Components | Loose components within the boots, such as the insole or the laces, can also cause a squeaking noise when walking. This can often be fixed by tightening or adjusting these components. |
| Structural Issues | In some cases, structural issues with the boots themselves can cause squeaking, such as a loose or damaged shank or a poorly fitting heel. In these cases, it may be necessary to have the boots repaired or replaced. |
If your boots are squeaking when you walk, it can be a frustrating and annoying problem. However, the cause of the squeaking can often be identified and resolved with a little investigation.
In many cases, the squeaking will go away on its own as the boots are worn in. If the squeaking persists, it may be necessary to try some solutions, such as drying out the boots, tightening loose components, or having them repaired.
Here are 11 reasons why your boots might be noisy and what you can do about them…
11 Reasons Why Boots Squeak When You Walk
How many times have you been walking in your new pair of boots and all of a sudden… they start squeaking? You look around to see who’s looking at you… but nobody is… You keep on walking… trying to ignore it… Crrrrreeeeek… Crrrrreeeeek… Crrrrreeeeek.
Annoying… isn’t it? Squeaky boots are even worse when you are out on a date or walking through the office… But… there is no need to be embarrassed! There are many reasons why your boots may squeak when you walk and we’re going to look at 10 of them now.
1… Wear and tear
The older your shoes get… the more likely they’ll make noise — especially if you’ve made walking in them a habit… The soles may be worn out or the heels may have deteriorated… Consider replacing the soles or even buying a new pair if your boots are making a lot of noise when you walk.
2… Leather
For boots made of real leather… it’s possible that the material is rubbing together as you walk… causing squeaks and squeals as it rubs against itself… This usually happens when the leather has shrunk from being exposed to too much heat or water… Try using a leather conditioner once a month to prevent this problem.
The leather has been damaged or dried out over time so that it no longer fits snugly against your foot and ankle as it used to when new… This causes air pockets between layers which can make them squeak when you walk on certain surfaces like wood floors or tile floors… If there are any holes in your socks this will make them even more likely to do so too!
Leather creases
Some boots are made with a lot of creases in them to give them a unique look and style… However… this can also make for some squeakiness in your boots… The creases make it more likely for folds to form in the leather… and this can create friction and noise when you’re walking around.
3… Moisture problems
If your boots get wet and you wear them afterward… they may squeak… This happens because when you step… the water inside the boot will move in a way that causes the squeaking sound.
Excess moisture on your skin
Foot sweat can also make leather damp and pliable (which will also result in loose-fitting footwear)… If you have sweaty feet and you’re wearing leather footwear that doesn’t have proper ventilation… then this may be one of the culprits for causing your boots to squeak
Excess moisture in the air
If you live in an area that experiences high humidity levels (such as near the ocean)… then the excess moisture in the air can make your leather boots more prone to squeaking… That’s because excess moisture in the air can cause your boot leather to become soft and pliable… It will also expand slightly… resulting in a looser fit than usual… Loose-fitting footwear has a greater chance of making noise as it rubs against other surfaces (such as against itself or against your pants).
Oil
If your boots come into contact with oil… grease… or any other slippery substance… it can cause the soles to slide and make a squeaking sound as a result of that movement.
4… Worn Out Soles
If you have a pair of boots that are made out of a durable material such as rubber or leather and you see signs of wear on the soles… they may be close to replacement time… Worn-out soles can cause squeaky boots because they leave less surface area between your feet and the ground… allowing for more friction than normal.
The soles are too thick or inflexible.
This is usually a problem with cheaper boots that use very thick soles made of rubber or other materials… The material may be so stiff that it doesn’t bend enough while walking… causing it to scrape against other surfaces and make noises.
The soles have become bent or twisted out of shape.
If the sole of your boot has become damaged or twisted out of shape… then it may rub against parts of your foot as you walk around… This can cause rubbing noises that sound like squeaks.
5… Dirty soles
If the soles of your boots are dirty and have built up deposits of dirt and grit… as they inevitably will after a period of time… then this can cause the squeak.
Dirt and grit work their way into all kinds of nooks and crannies on the boot sole… and when pressure is put onto the soles through walking… these particles rub across each other and make a squeak… This problem is often most common with cheap boots where the soles are designed to absorb pressure rather than deflect it.
Soles Are Too Dry
If the soles of your boots are too dry… then they will not have enough moisture… which will cause them to squeak when you walk around in them… The best thing to do if this is the case is to use a leather conditioner or oil on them so that they can absorb some moisture into their rubber soles.
6… Rubber soles
Rubber soles tend to be more slippery than other soles… such as plastic or cork soles… When you walk on rubber soles… they tend to slide against the flooring more easily than other types of soles… which can lead to squeaking noises during movement when you wear your shoes or boots on certain floor surfaces like hardwood floors or floors with a glossy finish that makes them very slippery.
This type of noise is typically caused by the rubber sole rubbing up against another surface as it slides across it while moving forward or backward during walking movements.
7… Dry air
If you live in an area that experiences very dry air conditions (such as desert areas) or if you live in an area that has very cold winters… then this can also make your boots squeak when you walk around… Dry air dehydrates leather over time… resulting in stiffened leather that makes noise when it moves against itself or against other surfaces.
8… Tight fit
Another reason why your boots may be squeaking when you walk is that they are too tight to your foot and ankle… If this is the case… then you need to loosen the laces on your boots for a roomier fit that won’t rub against itself causing friction noise as you walk around in them.
9… Lining Shifted
If the lining on the inside of your boots has shifted… then this will cause friction that will make your boots squeak when you walk around in them… The best thing to do if this is the case is to take them off and adjust the inner lining with your fingers so that it doesn’t rub against itself as you walk around in them.
10… New Boots
Another reason why your boots may be squeaking when you walk is that they are brand new and have not been worn in yet… This can be especially true if the boots are made out of leather because this material tends to be very stiff at first… but will break down after a few uses… allowing for a better fit and less rubbing against itself as you walk around in them.
If your boots squeak because they are too new then all you need to do is wear them a few times before the problem goes away on its own.
11… Loose Heels
If your heels are loose… then this can cause friction to occur between the heel and the rest of the base of your shoe… which can cause squeaking noises as you move around in them… Generally speaking… if this is the case… then it will be most prominent when you are walking up and down stairs or inclines since that is when most pressure is placed on the heel area of your boot.
However… if this is a problem for you… then replacing the heel area should fix it so you don’t have to worry about any unnecessary noise from your footwear anymore.
Why Do Your Boots Squeak When You Walk?
So you just bought a new pair of boots and every step you take makes an annoying squeaking sound. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are some frequently asked questions about why boots squeak and how to fix it.
Boots generally squeak due to friction between the sole of the boot and the surface you’re walking on. It can happen with new shoes or with shoes that have been worn for a while.
There are several ways you can reduce or eliminate the squeaking sound. Try applying some baby powder or talcum powder to the insole of your boots, which will reduce the friction. Alternatively, you can try putting a fabric softener sheet between the insole and the sole of your boot. If the squeaking persists, take the boots to a shoe repair shop where they can apply a lubricant to the sole.
Yes, certain surfaces can cause more friction and therefore more squeaking. For example, walking on a tiled floor or on a linoleum surface can increase the chances of your boots squeaking.
Yes, some types of boots such as those with harder soles or those made of rubber can be more prone to squeaking.
Not necessarily. As the boots are worn in, the squeaking may go away. If it persists, however, it’s best to take the boots to a shoe repair shop to get them checked out.
You can try some of the remedies mentioned above, but if the noise persists, it’s best to take the boots to a professional. Trying to fix the squeaking yourself could potentially cause further damage to the boots.
No, squeaky boots are annoying but they won’t cause any damage to your feet.
Before returning the boots, try some of the remedies mentioned above. If the squeaking persists, reach out to the manufacturer or retailer for assistance.
Video – Should You Throw Your Squeaky Shoes Away?
In summary… when you’re trying to discover what’s causing the squeaking in a pair of boots… treat them like you would a murder mystery… I know… your boots aren’t dying and there are no hard suspects… but the process is similar.
First and foremost… take a good look at how your boots are constructed and how they’re held together… In many cases… the source of the problem will become immediately clear… Parts may be rubbing together in a way that they shouldn’t be and by using some common sense and taking it apart… you can usually solve the problem fairly easily.
You may also be interested in… Why Shoes Squeak on Floor? (13 Possible Causes & How To Fix Them) and Can Ugg Boots Get Wet?
