Let’s face it, who doesn’t love putting on a pair of sleek and stylish boots?
The confidence boost that these boots give us is pretty incomparable.
However, it’s all fun in games until the boots start squeaking!
Well, sure, squeaking is not causing us any physical harm as such, but it is simply intolerable and makes you cringe.
But what if I told you that it’s an easy fix? Something that you can do at home, all by yourself?
Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s not.
Identify the source of the squeak in boots
Before you start with the fix, it is important to know the source of the squeaking to get rid of it for good.
So, how will you identify the source of the squeaking?
Well, there are quite a few reasons as to why your boots may squeak, and I will be elaborating on them for you to find out what’s the reason behind the squeaking of your boots.
All you have to do is pay close attention to your boots and check whether any of these are applicable for your boots. If yes, then any or multiple of them can be the reason behind the noise.
Brand New Boots
Since stiffness is often a common reason behind squeaking, brand new boots often squeak quite a bit.
So, if your boots are new, it’s pretty easy to identify that it is the reason.
But there are multiple methods you can use to get rid of this squeaking, as this is an easily fixable squeak.
Check our latest post on how to Fix Heel Slippage In Cowboy Boots.
Very Old Boots
The exact opposite of the previous may also occur – where boots squeak if they are too old and ragged.
So, if your boots have cracks in them, their soles are loose, or they have cracks, it will lead to the squeaking of your boots.
Wetness or Moisture
If your boots are wet, they will squeak – it is as simple as that.
The materials used to manufacture the boots – specifically the inner linings, soles, and insoles – are spongy in nature.
So, naturally, when they get wet or soak any liquid, they squeak. It happens because whenever you apply any pressure whatsoever on the boots after they get wet, water is released from the spongy materials causing the squeaks.
Faulty Outsoles
When the soles are improper it may lead to squeaking.
It happens because the suction is created when the fancy patterns on the outsole come in contact with the ground and you apply pressure on them. So when you lift your foot, the suction breaks and the squeaking happens.
Faulty Boots
Unfortunately, sometimes there may be some manufacturing mishaps which may lead to faulty boots that squeak a lot.
This is may happen at any stage of manufacturing the boots which may lead to the formation of air pockets in the boots that cause squeaking.
To identify the exact cause you have to listen very closely to where the creaks, scruffs, and squeaks are coming from in order to exactly pinpoint the source of the sound.
How To Fix Squeaky Boots: 5 Methods Explained
Once you have identified the cause of the squeak consider half of the job done because now you can get rid of the squeak using any of the methods that I will be explaining to you.
Below, I have included five easy methods for how you can get rid of your squeaky boots.
Read more on how to Fix Heel Slippage In Boots.
Method 1: Break in your new boots
If your boots are new and squeaky, the best way to fix them is to wear them out. This means that you have to break in your boots.
Since brand new boots are quite stiff and rigid, when you walk in them the excessive friction will result in unpleasant squeaking.
Method 2: Dry out your boots
Tools needed: Hairdryer
In case that your boots are wet or have not dried properly, they will squeak. So, to get rid of the squeaks you must dry the boots.
Take a hairdryer and blow down on your boots to get rid of the squeaks. But make sure you do not overheat the boots as it may damage the materials of your boots.
You can also leave your boots out under a running fan overnight to let them air dry.
Nice the boots are completely dry, the squeaking will cease.
Method 3: Sand down your boots
Tools needed: Dryer sheet and sandpaper
Sometimes if the soles of the boots are too gripping or slippery it can lead to squeaking.
In case that your boots are too grippy, or make a sound while you are walking on a smooth surface, take a dryer sheet and thoroughly rub it over the bottom of your boot, especially the threadings.
As you do this, a thin layer of residue is transferred on the button of your shoes that act as light lubrication.
However, if this does not work out for you, you need to use sandpaper.
Take low grit sandpaper and rub it over the outsoles of your boots in a back and forth motion, but be careful to not use too much force.
This will increase the texture and improve the traction.
Follow our guide on how to Clean Muddy Leather Boots.
Method 4: Use powder
Tools needed: Talcum powder
In many cases, the squeak comes due to excessive friction. This friction may be between the tongue and the upper.
In that case, you need to use some talcum powder.
First, you need to remove the insole from your boots, if they are removable.
Then apply sufficient talcum powder such that it covers the entire heel portion of the boot.
For the powder to absorb all the moisture and settle, leave you boos aside for around 24 hours.
After waiting for the required time, dust off all the excess powder before putting the insole back in and trying out the boots.
The talcum powder works by providing some lubrication as well as by absorbing the moisture from the tongue and the upper.
Method 5: Condition your boots
Tools needed: Conditioning tools, brush,
Quite often the squeaking comes from the exterior parts of your boots.
In that case, you need a leather conditioner or conditioning oil to nourish your boots.
This will help soften the material and reduce the squeaking when you walk in them.
Before you start conditioning your boots, make sure they are clean by brushing them with a brush.
Using a cloth, apply the conditioner over and inside the entire boots in a smooth, circular motion.
Repeat the process if further conditioning is required.
Once the conditioning is over, leave your boots overnight to dry fully before you use them again.
The conditioning oil will hydrate the leather of your boots and reduce the stiffness greatly.
Follow our guide to know Can You Resole Timberland Boots.
Conclusion
It is not uncommon for boots to squeak. And when they do, it is not only annoying but also quite embarrassing.
Nonetheless, once you find the reason behind the squeak, you can get rid of it using any of the techniques that I have mentioned.
However, make sure that you do not try out these methods all at once. Try them one at a time and if one does not work out, move on to another method
I hope this helped get rid of the squeaking from your boots.
If you have any queries, leave them in the comments below.
