Shoes that squeak can bother you more than just annoying. The fact is, whether you spend your time around your home or out in public, that annoying sharp squeak inevitably makes you feel very self-conscious walking throughout the day. Understanding how to stop shoes from squeaking can be a way for you to avoid that shameful sound.

The best part is that no shoe replacement is needed, as there are straightforward methods anyone could follow to stop shoe squeaking. This article will guide the readers through the best practical solutions on how to stop a shoe from squeaking and give a few tips on making shoes stop squeaking for good.
How to Stop Dress Shoes from Squeaking With easy steps
Table of Contents
Why Do Shoes Squeak?
Knowing how to stop shoes from squeaking requires understanding what triggers their presence. Shoe squeaking is usually caused by:
- Friction: When the insole rubs against the outsole or other parts of the shoe rub together.
- Moisture: too much moisture collects inside the shoe or the outsole.
- Damaged Parts: loose sole, broken heel, and worn-out insoles also lead to squeaking.
Determining the cause will help pick the best solution to keep shoes from squeaking.
How To Stop Shoes From Squeaking At Home: 10 Ways
1. Use Baby Powder
The easiest way to get squeaky shoes out is to use baby powder. Shoes usually squeak due to friction between the insole and the outsole, and baby powder will significantly reduce this friction.
Steps:
- Take out the insoles of your shoes.
- Sprinkle baby powder evenly underneath the insoles.
- Replace the insoles and test the shoes.
If the insoles are not removable, sprinkle the powder around the edges where the insole meets the shoe.
It is one of the surest ways to prevent shoes from squeaking.
2. Use Dryer Sheets
Alternatively, one can apply dryer sheets to reduce wrinkling by lubricating the areas.
Steps:
- Take a small piece of a dryer sheet.
- Insert this small piece between the insole and the actual base of the shoe.
- Then walk for a while and see if there’s any change in the sound.
This method will temporarily silence squeaking shoes.
3. Apply Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly becomes the next interesting way to stop shoes from squeaking. It reduces friction in problem areas.
Steps:
- Determine the location from which the noise is coming.
- Place tiny heats of petroleum jelly on that area.
- Scrub off the oil spill for neatness.
- Next, try walking with the shoes on to see if the noise is gone.
This is the simplest and most effective way to go, how to stop shoes from squeaking.
4. Apply Shoe Glue
If someone’s shoe is squeaking because of loose soles or heels, shoe glue can fix that problem.
Steps:
- Identify the loose section of the shoe.
- Clean the area for good adhesion.
- Use a touch of shoe glue for the joint and press firmly.
- Let it rest to cure before wearing shoes.
This often becomes ‘stop my shoes from squeaking’!
5. Properly Dry Your Shoes
Moisture is one of the most common causes of squeaking shoes. You can fix the problem by drying the shoes thoroughly.
Steps:
- Take out the insoles and laces.
- Put the shoe in a dry, well-ventilated place.
- Stuff the shoe with newspaper to absorb excess moisture.
- Please avoid using direct heat as this may damage the shoes.
If you’re asking how to stop shoes from squeaking due to moisture, this is the best method.

6. Use Sandpaper
The shoes will stop squeaking if the outsoles are roughened using sandpaper.
Steps:
- Using fine-grade sandpaper, lightly rub the outsole.
- Target mostly the parts that touch via contact with the ground.
- Try the shoes to see if it fixes that squeaking sound.
This method helps shoes make noise by making the soles tackier.
7. Inspect and Repair Damaged Parts
Shoes can squeak due to cracked insoles, soles, or heels. Therefore, it is advisable to check these parts and replace them if necessary.
Steps:
- Check the insoles for wear and tear.
- Get some spare insoles.
- If the sole or heel is damaged, you may have to take the shoes to a cobbler.
Replacing parts can stop a shoe from squeaking.
8. Use Silicone Spray
Silicone spray-basically the guiding star stops squeaks from shoes. It works perfectly for leather and synthetic materials alike.
Steps:
- Locate the squeak source.
- Put a small amount of silicone spray on the designated area.
- Wipe down with a cloth to remove excess spray.
- Dry shoes before use.
After a long time of trying to figure out how to stop a shoe from squeaking, silicone spray is the solution you need.
9. Tighten Loose Parts
A pair of shoes might also be squeaking due to loose eyelets, laces, or other components; simply tightening them will eliminate the sound.
Steps:
- Search the entire length of the shoe for any loose parts.
- Tighten laces, eyelets, and screws as necessary.
- Try the shoes to see if the squeaks are gone.
In most cases, learning how to stop shoes from squeaking is mostly about determining whether or not they have loose ends.
10. Rub With Saddle Soap
For leather shoes, saddle soap can help condition the material and reduce screaming.
Steps:
- Apply saddle soap to a clean cloth.
- Rub the soap on the leather areas of the shoe.
- Buff the leather with a dry cloth free of any soap.
- Let the shoes dry naturally.
This method can stop the shoes from squeaking while keeping the leather in good condition.
How To Preventing Shoes From Squeaking
Cutting shoes is one of the issues people usually face with their shoes. But even if you know how to stop them, it’s better to prevent them from happening again. Here are some ways you can do this:

- Keep your shoes in a dry, cool place to keep them dry.
- Use shoe deodorants that absorb the humidity.
- Clean and care for your shoes regularly.
Change your shoes every other day to get them out and avoid wearing the same pair every day. This will help them breathe.
With these tips, you’re sure you’ll avoid learning over and over how to stop shoes from squeaking.
Final Thoughts
Learning to stop shoes from squeaking is easier than you think. Homemade solutions like baby powder, petroleum jelly, or dryer sheets will instructively hush the annoying sounds that may disturb your poise. But if this won’t work, repair or replace damaged shoe parts. With this advice, you shall hardly care about noisy shoes anymore. Knowing how to stop shoes from squeaking at home, therefore, becomes the software of the calm.