Squeaky leather boots can be very annoying. Especially if you just bought a new pair. It can put you in an embarrassing situation every time you walk past someone. Leather boots make a squeaking noise for a number of reasons. But generally, friction is the main reason why your leather boots squeak.
Gladly, there are many techniques to solve this squeaking problem. The primary way of solving this squeaking problem is by eliminating friction. And for eliminating friction, we can utilize different methods. These methods include the usage of many day-to-day materials starting from baby powders to coconut oil.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the ways that you can prevent your leather boots from squeaking.
Both your freshly bought boots and your old boots can make an annoying squeaky noise. The methods by following which you can get rid of the noise are:
Method 1- Using Baby Powder
You may not believe this, but using baby powder to stop shoe squeaking really works. As mentioned before, friction is the main reason for making your boots squeak. The insole inside of your boot can rub against the internal leather surface causing a squeaking sound.
So, simply remove the insole from the inside of your boot and sprinkle a generous amount of baby powder under the insole portion of your boot. This will reduce the friction produced between the insole and the inner surface of your boot consequently eliminating the squeaking sound.
Method 2 – Using Paper Towel
Moistures can accumulate inside your boot from time to time. The accumulated moisture can play a crucial role in causing your leather boots to squeak. In order to eliminate the moisture, you should place a paper towel inside your boot.
Just like the previous method, remove the inner sole first. Then place a paper towel under the inner sole section of the boot. Make sure to choose a good quality more absorbent type of paper towel. After that, place the innersole on top of the paper towel. Now every time moisture accumulates in your boots, the paper towels will absorb them.
Method 3 – Using Coconut Oil
This is a foolproof way to stop your leather boots from squeaking. If your leather boots still squeak after following previous methods, then this method will surely work for you.
Remove the inner sole from your boot and then apply a few drops of coconut oil inside the boot. After doing so, place the innersole on the oiled surface. This will create a layer of lubrication between the innersole and the portion under the innersole eliminating any chances of your boots squeaking again.
Method 4 – Sandpapering Your Soles
Your boots can make squeaky noise when it comes in contact with a smooth surface like tiles or flat concrete because of having a smooth sole. This problem generally happens on new boots because of the smoothness of their sole.
This issue can easily be solved by using sandpapers to scrape the surface of the sole. Be careful about choosing the type of sandpaper. Usually, 60 to 120-grit sandpapers work the best. Also, be careful about scraping the surface. Do not scrape too much of the surface because it can damage the soles of your boot permanently.
Method 5 – Using Glue
Sometimes, your sole can separate from the boot creating a squeaking noise every time you walk. This is a very common issue with older boots. In order to solve this issue, simply glue the sole to the boot. You can use any type of glue for the task. But using “Contact Adhesive” glue, a special rubber type glue is recommended.
Method 6 – Using Conditioning Oil
The leather on your boot can get very stiff and rigid if you are using it for a long time. Stiff leather is definitely not a good sign for boots. Stiff leather squeaks because of getting constantly rubbed against its own surface.
That is why conditioning oil or boot oil is applied on the leather surface for making it softer. First, properly clean your boots so that no dust can contaminate the oiling process.
After cleaning the boots properly, take a clean cloth, and apply some conditioning oil to them. After doing so, properly rub the surface of the boot. Make sure to rub the places where leathers make contact, especially the tongue of the boot. Don’t be stingy about using the oil, apply a sufficient amount of oil for thorough lubrication.
Stop Timberland Boots From Squeaking
Timberland boots are also a type of boot that is made out of leather. Because of their construction, Timberlands too have a squeaking tendency. The methods of stopping Timberland boots squeaking are not that different from the methods of stopping normal leather boots from squeaking.
Some important methods of stopping timberland boots from squeaking are:
Tips 1 – Give Your Boots Some Time
Newly bought Timberlands can squeak simply because of having a rigid and stiff leather. Leather boots will always get soft after a few days of usage. So, if your new pair of Timberlands squeaks, just give it a few days to properly stretch its leathers, and eventually you will get rid of the squeaking problem.
Tips 2 – Stop Feet From Sweating
Sweaty feet can gather moisture inside your boots. And moistures can make the leather inside of your boots wet causing them to squeak. Start using thick socks if your feet sweat too much.
You should also buy a boot that has a proper ventilation system. You can also use the powder and paper towel technique mentioned above if wearing thick socks does not solve the issue.
Tips 3 – Check For Leaks In Your Boots
A leaking boot can lead water inside causing it to get wet and make a squeaking noise. If you are using a boot for an extended period of time, then the chances of your boots leaking are very high. Especially, the joint between your sole and the boot can leak because of prolonged use.
Therefore, make sure to thoroughly check your boots for any leaks. And if you manage to find any, then try to repair the leak by applying glue on the leaking surface. There are many good glues on the market for repairing leaks on boots.
Tips 4 – Replace The Faulty Sole and Insole
A faulty sole or insole can be the main culprit for making a squeaky noise in your boot. Timberland boots usually have very durable, thick soles and insoles. But they can degrade over time because of continuous usage.
The degradation can cause bits of the insole to separate and rub against the inside surface of your boot. Your sole can also develop cracks and cause your boots to squeak. So, if you are using a pair of boots for a long time, try changing the soles and insoles in order to eliminate the squeaking noise.
Tips 5 – Dry Your Boots
A perfectly functioning boot can squeak if you live in a humid environment or work in a wet place. Moreover, your boots can also squeak if you store them in a damp place. In order to properly dry your wet boots, you have to follow some thorough instructions.
First, clean the surface of your boot so that no mud is left on the surface. Then untie the laces and remove the insoles. You can use newspapers or towels to dry the inside of the boot. Do not expose to boot to direct heat. Exposing them to direct heat can soften the adhesive and damage the leather permanently.
After properly drying off the insides, keep the shoes properly ventilated. You can leave the boots under a fan overnight for the best result.
Stop Faux Leather Boots From Squeaking
Faux leathers are also known as fake leathers. There are a few methods to stop faux leather squeaking. The best way to stop the squeaking is by applying Mink oil or Saddle soap on the surface of the boot.
The sticky surface of the faux leather can cause squeaks when they come in contact with each other. But applying Mink oil and Saddle soaps on the faux leather surface can significantly reduce the squeaks. It works by creating enough lubrication between the surfaces of the leather and by reducing friction.
Before applying anything, clean the boot properly and remove any unwanted materials from the surface of the boot. Apply a small amount of Mink oil or Saddle soap on a clean piece of cloth and rub the cloth properly all over the boot. Make sure to properly rub the places where leathers make contact with each other.
Conclusion
Squeaking shoes can be very annoying. You can try out any of the methods mentioned above to get rid of the squeaking noise. Try out the method that you think is the easiest for you. Boots most commonly make a squeaking noise because the insole gets rubbed against the inner surface of the boot. So, using talcum powder or baby powder should solve the squeaking problem of boots for most people.
But even after applying all procedures mentioned above, your boots are still squeaking, then maybe it is time to give up on the existing pair and buy a new pair. Or you can take the boots to a professional cobbler instead.
