Why sneakers squeak when walking and what to do

Sometimes it happens that you’re walking down the street and you start to hear a squeak from the pavement. Be calm, it’s just your sneakers – a fairly common occurrence. Sometimes the squeak can appear after wearing shoes for a long time, and sometimes a new pair, bought online, can give a “voice”. Immediately get rid of such sneakers is not necessary. We understand the nuances and ways to correct them.

Índice

Why sneakers can “squeak”

snickerhead

Sneakers can squeak first of all because they are “fallen” and poorly glued. Or because they are worn out. Or maybe just not dried to the end and the cushioning between the sole and the body of the sneaker went bad. But the main reason is a quality problem. Original models, such as Nike Dunk, can also squeak. Rare, but it also happens.

The sound appears due to mechanical deformation of the product and the escape of air from there. But there are also other reasons.

Factory defect in the gluing of parts.
Unevenness of the tread.
Dissolved glue between the sole and the foot.
Slight deformation of the sole or the formation of a cavity in it.
Inappropriate insole size.
Sneakers are over-dried.

Since we’re talking about how to keep your budget in check here are examples of sneakers you shouldn’t splurge on.

How to figure out where the squeak is coming from and how to fix it

In order to fix a squeak, you need to find the spot that needs to be addressed. Here’s how you can do it.

Put on both sneakers and make a promenade on different surfaces: laminate, asphalt, carpet, etc.
Analyze all the sounds you hear to determine the source.
Look carefully, preferably with a magnifying glass, at the place making the sound. You can use a flashlight if the location is on the outside.
No luck? Then the tire repair method will come to your aid: dip the sneaker in water or spray it with soapy water. This technique will help you to determine the place with millimeter accuracy: when you press it, it will bubble.

And now let’s move on to ways to eliminate squeaking.

Drying

You have determined that the cause is hidden in the residual moisture after a walk, so the sneakers need to be dried. To do this, you can use a regular shoe dryer in the form of liners, and a larger size, which fits a pair. In this way keep the sneakers for 10 minutes. No more, otherwise you risk getting wrinkled snickers.

Sandpaper

It happens that “squeak” and new sneakers, even before you put them on. In this case, slightly accelerate the wearing process with sandpaper. Lightly wipe the paper with the sole (most often treacherously squeaky it is it) or other places. This method should reduce the level of unpleasant sound or remove it altogether. True, if you have interesting sneakers made of unusual materials, listen to more music on a walk, use earplugs and brace yourself.

Vaseline

There are cases that the insole begins to make a sound during friction inside the shoe or the squeak occurs when the sneakers come into contact with each other while walking. In both cases, you can lubricate a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the surfaces so that everything rubs against each other better and without a sound.

WD-40

Many people either don’t know about this remedy or haven’t thought in its direction. Since “vedeshka” helps in engineering, it will also cope with shoes. Moisten a cotton disk with a small amount of WD-40, and then wipe all external seams and squeaky surfaces.

Important! Do not try this method with suede or other “demanding” fabrics. We give 50% that you will have to buy yourself new “pedals”.

Soap

Not the most frequent, but possible case when the laces squeak. If they rub against the tongue or eyelets, it can cause auditory discomfort with every step. Lubricate the laces with a little soap or leather conditioner to “soothe” the noise. Or change the laces.

Sneaker repair

Have you tried everything we mentioned above and the sounds remain? Then inspect your sneakers again for gaps and large deformations. Did you find any? Bring the shoes to the repair shop. Too lazy? Try to cope on your own and with the help of superglue. Doesn’t work? Then get to a shoe store sometime – you obviously need a new pair of snickers.