The Athlete's Foot MyFit
Our MyFit Blog aims to engage and inform so that we can collectively empower everyday athletes to better their best with every run.
How to fix squeaky school shoes
There’s nothing more annoying – you’ve prepped and primed your kids’ uniforms, got their stationery list sorted, PE kits packed, uniforms pressed and their new school shoes ready for the start of the new school year – and the inevitable occurs, that ‘squeak squeak squeak’ as they’re walking to class.
Whether they have taken in some water, there’s a little bit of friction or they are just super new - read our guide to understand the main causes of a squeaky school shoe, and even better, our hacks on how to fix them!
Why are the shoes squeaking?
When air or moisture gets trapped into different areas of your footwear, there can be a number of issues affecting how shoes make that squeaky noise including:
How to fix squeaky shoes
It only takes a little bit of time and care to try and fix your kids school shoes. Whether it’s a pair of leather school shoes or it’s their PE footwear. Check out our hacks below for some simple fixes to stop that squeak.
Condition the uppers
Using an appropriate shoe conditioner, run into the cracks of the upper. A good leather conditioner can help to soften leather school shoes and lessen friction.
Dryout the insoles
A looser insole can potentially shift around the shoe, causing friction noises. If it allows, you can remove an insole then sprinkle some cornflour or baby powder onto the bottom of the insole before popping it back into the shoe. This will help to absorb some extra moisture and potentially prevent some shifting friction.
Dry the shoes fully
If the shoes have some extra moisture, whether that’s from unexpected rain showers, or their running shoes have some perspiration in them, added water inside the shoe whether from sweat or the elements can cause added friction, and more squeaking. By drying the insides out fully, you can alleviate extra noises coming from the footwear.
Whilst the insole is still out of the show, add some balled up sheets of newspaper into the main cavity and let it sit overnight. If the newspaper becomes too damp, remove and replace with some more paper.
Worn out soles
If the soles of your kids’ shoes are starting to wear thin, it might be time to think about picking up a new pair. Book a fitting appointment with a member of our instore team to get your kids footwear fitted. Our store team fit experts will be able to help you find your kids’ perfect fit.
Whether they have taken in some water, there’s a little bit of friction or they are just super new - read our guide to understand the main causes of a squeaky school shoe, and even better, our hacks on how to fix them!
Why are the shoes squeaking?
When air or moisture gets trapped into different areas of your footwear, there can be a number of issues affecting how shoes make that squeaky noise including:
- Friction - when different parts of the shoe rub together, occasionally they can create that squeaking noise as they move.
- Stiffness – sometimes if the shoes are made with a tough leather or if they are very very new, the seams might make extra noises
- Damp or wet shoes - If the shoes have encountered moisture or wet environment lately, you can potentially run the risk of the moisture causing squeaking noises.
- The soles when soles start to wear down, you might find them starting to squeak
- Are the insoles loose? Insoles that are not attached properly can potentially make sqeaking noises as they move around
How to fix squeaky shoes
It only takes a little bit of time and care to try and fix your kids school shoes. Whether it’s a pair of leather school shoes or it’s their PE footwear. Check out our hacks below for some simple fixes to stop that squeak.
Condition the uppers
Using an appropriate shoe conditioner, run into the cracks of the upper. A good leather conditioner can help to soften leather school shoes and lessen friction.
Dryout the insoles
A looser insole can potentially shift around the shoe, causing friction noises. If it allows, you can remove an insole then sprinkle some cornflour or baby powder onto the bottom of the insole before popping it back into the shoe. This will help to absorb some extra moisture and potentially prevent some shifting friction.
Dry the shoes fully
If the shoes have some extra moisture, whether that’s from unexpected rain showers, or their running shoes have some perspiration in them, added water inside the shoe whether from sweat or the elements can cause added friction, and more squeaking. By drying the insides out fully, you can alleviate extra noises coming from the footwear.
Whilst the insole is still out of the show, add some balled up sheets of newspaper into the main cavity and let it sit overnight. If the newspaper becomes too damp, remove and replace with some more paper.
Worn out soles
If the soles of your kids’ shoes are starting to wear thin, it might be time to think about picking up a new pair. Book a fitting appointment with a member of our instore team to get your kids footwear fitted. Our store team fit experts will be able to help you find your kids’ perfect fit.
