New boots are a joy to own. The scent of fresh leather, unblemished surfaces, and sturdy construction are just some of the perks of new boots, but there’s one downside: the squeak. If you’ve been walking around with squeaky boots, you understand how annoying it can be. This squeak often occurs due to friction between different materials inside the boot or the exterior contacting the ground. But worry not; there are proven methods to eliminate this problem. In this article, we’ll walk you through the causes of boot squeaking and share practical hacks to keep your boots quiet.
Why Do My Boots Squeak?
Squeaking in boots often comes down to friction—whether it’s between the sole and insole, heel and upper, or the exterior rubbing on slick floors. New boots, especially high-quality leather ones, tend to have multiple layers of material like the insole, midsole, and welt that may rub together until fully broken in.
The natural fibers in leather expand and contract when exposed to different temperatures and moisture levels, creating movement and noise. Another common source of squeaking is the reinforced heel cup, which can rub against other parts of the boot. Moreover, boots with new rubber outsoles may make noise on smooth surfaces such as tile or concrete.
How Long Do New Boots Squeak?
In most cases, squeaking lasts until your boots are fully broken in. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. However, it’s possible to speed up this process and reduce squeaking using a few tried-and-tested methods.
3 Hacks to Keep Your Boots from Squeaking
Hack #1: Use Talcum Powder to Reduce Friction
Friction inside your boots is one of the main reasons for squeaking. The squeak often arises from the interaction between the insole and your socks, or the boot’s tongue rubbing against the upper.
Here’s how you can fix this:
Step 1: Remove the insoles and laces:
Start by removing the laces and pulling out the insoles. These areas are prone to creating noise when in contact with the footbed or boot upper.
Step 2: Apply talcum powder:
Generously apply talcum powder inside the boot, specifically on the footbed and areas where the tongue touches the upper. This will reduce friction and minimize squeaking. Make sure the powder is evenly spread.
Step 3: Clean off excess powder:
Turn the boots upside down to remove excess powder. Afterward, replace the insoles and laces, and your boots should be noticeably quieter.
Hack #2: Condition Your Boots
Leather boots, especially thicker ones, may squeak due to the dryness of the leather. Conditioning them will make the leather more supple, which reduces squeaks.
Step 1: Clean your boots:
Before applying a conditioner, clean your boots with a leather brush and remove any dirt. Don’t forget to remove the laces and clean the tongue thoroughly.
Step 2: Apply leather conditioner:
Using a high-quality leather oil like Obenauf’s Leather Oil, apply an even layer to the boots. Don’t forget the tongue, as this area is notorious for causing squeaks. Allow the boots to absorb the conditioner.
Step 3: Let the boots rest:
Leave the boots for a few hours to allow the oil to penetrate the leather. Afterward, put the laces back in place and test the boots. Regular conditioning will soften the leather and reduce squeaking over time.
Hack #3: Create Friction on the Outsoles
If the squeak comes from the exterior, particularly from the soles, adding friction is the solution.
Step 1: Clean the soles:
Remove any dirt from the boot’s soles using a damp cloth. Ensure they are clean before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Use sandpaper to roughen the outsoles:
Gently sand the outsoles with 80 or 120 grit sandpaper. This roughens up the rubber and provides better traction, which should stop the squeaking on slick surfaces like tile or hardwood floors.
Additional Hacks to Stop Boot Squeaks
Apply Leather Conditioner Routinely
Conditioning your boots on a regular basis not only prolongs their lifespan but also helps break them in faster. Apply the conditioner to all parts of the boot, including the tongue. The more pliable the leather becomes, the less it will squeak.
Use Sandpaper for Smooth Soles
If your rubber-soled boots squeak, you can roughen up the soles with sandpaper. This simple trick will increase traction and reduce noise on smooth surfaces.
Try Using WD-40
Though unconventional, some boot owners have found success using WD-40 on their leather boots. It can help soften the leather and reduce squeaking, especially in particularly stiff areas. However, be cautious about using it too often, as it’s not designed specifically for leather care.
Try Using a Dryer Sheet
FAQs
Q1: Why do my boots squeak when I walk?
Boots can squeak for several reasons, including friction between the sole and insole, or the heel rubbing against the upper. Identifying the source of the squeak will help you apply the correct fix.
Q2: How do I stop my rubber soles from squeaking?
Use sandpaper to roughen the outsoles of your boots. This will create more friction and reduce squeaking on smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood.
Q3: How long will new boots squeak?
New boots typically squeak until they are fully broken in, which can take days to months. Regular conditioning and cleaning can speed up this process and reduce noise.
