Nothing ruins a smooth arrival like squeaky sneakers. Whether they’re fresh out of the box or a constant in your weekly rotation, that sound is usually just a simple, and solvable, issue. It comes down to two main things: moisture trapped inside, or friction between two materials rubbing together.

The good news? You don’t need to take them to a shop to be fixed. With a few household items, you can stop the squeak. Here is the complete guide on how to stop squeaking sneakers for women, men and kids. 

 

How Do You Stop Sneakers From Squeaking?

 

To stop the noise, you first need to locate the source. Is it coming from the inside (insoles rubbing), or the outside (outsoles gripping)? Once you know the cause, use these proven methods to fix it.

       

       The Toolkit:

 

•  Baby powder, talcum powder, or cornstarch: The gold standard for reducing internal friction
•  Paper towels: To absorb moisture without heat damage
•  Dryer sheets: A quick hack to stop insoles from sliding
•  Fine-grit sandpaper: To texture overly smooth outsoles
•  Leather conditioner or Saddle Soap: To soften stiff uppers
•  WD-40 or Silicone Spray: For the outsole only

 

Method 1: The Powder Fix (For Insoles)

 

If the squeak is coming from inside the shoe, it’s likely caused by friction between the insole and the midsole.

The Fix: Remove the insole and sprinkle a dusting of baby powder, talcum powder, or cornstarch underneath it. This acts as a dry lubricant, creating a buffer that stops the rubber from rubbing against the shoe base.

 

Method 2: The Dryer Sheet Hack

 

If you don’t have powder handy, a tumble dryer sheet is a great alternative. Place a fresh dryer sheet underneath your insole. It reduces static, absorbs slight moisture, and stops the materials from sticking together and squeaking.

 

Method 3: The Paper Towel Dry-Out

 

Moisture is a leading cause of squeaks. Water gets trapped between layers and creates suction noises. To stop your trainers from squeaking, remove the laces and insoles. Stuff the sneakers tightly with paper towels or newspaper and let them sit in a dry spot for 24 hours. 

 

Pro Tip: Never put your sneakers in the dryer or on a radiator. High heat can warp the shape and degrade the glues. 

 

Method 4: Roughing the Soles

 

Sometimes, new shoes squeak because the rubber soles are too smooth and slick on hard floors. If you notice this, take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and gently scuff the bottom of the outsole. Add just enough texture to break the "suction cup" effect on polished floors.

 

Method 5: Condition the Tongue

 

On leather styles like tennis or basketball silhouettes, the tongue often rubs against the laces or inner collar, causing a creaking sound.

The Fix: Massage a small amount of leather conditioner, mink oil, or saddle soap into the tongue and the inside edges of the laces. This softens the material and stops the dry rubbing.

 

Method 6: The "Spot Lubricant" 

 

If the noise is definitely coming from the outside sole unit, a lubricant can help. Apply a tiny amount of WD-40 or silicone spray to a cotton bud or cloth. Rub it carefully along the squeaky part of the sole, or where the sole meets the upper.

Warning: Be precise. Do not spray this directly on the shoe, as oil can damage suede and leave stains on mesh.

Why Do My Trainers Squeak?

 

Squeaks usually stem from three things:

 

• Moisture: Sweat or water trapped in the shoe creates air pockets that make noise as they compress
• Friction: Layers of the shoe (like the insole and midsole) rubbing against each other
• Newness: Stiff leather and fresh rubber need time to break in

 

How To Stop Leather Shoes From Squeaking?

 

• Leather usually squeaks because it is dry or stiff. When dry leather rubs against itself (or the laces), it creaks
• Conditioning is a good idea. Regularly apply a leather conditioner or Dubbin to keep the uppers supple. Focus on the tongue and the area behind the laces
• Check the fit: If the leather is loose, it will fold and rub more. Ensure your laces are tight enough to minimize movement

 

How to Prevent Shoes From Squeaking?

 

Prevention is better than cure. Building a simple care routine will keep your sneakers quiet for the long haul.

Avoid the Washing Machine: Submerging shoes soaks the internal foam, which is very hard to dry completely. Go with spot cleaning.

 

Rotate Your Pairs: Give your shoes 24 hours to air out between wears. This allows the internal sweat to evaporate fully.

 

Wear the Right Socks: Sometimes moisture buildup is due to sweating. Moisture-wicking cotton or synthetic socks can help keep the inside of the shoe dry.

 

Do Squeaky Sneakers Mean They Are Too Big?

 

They can be. As noted by fitting experts at Start-Rite, if a shoe is too big, your foot moves around inside it. This movement creates extra friction and air pockets, leading to "puffing" or squeaking noises.

 

If you feel your heel slipping out or your toes sliding forward, the fit is likely to be the cause of the issue. Try adding a thicker insole to fill the volume or wearing thicker athletic socks to snug up the fit.

 

Why Do Some adidas, Nike, New Balance and Hoka Shoes Squeak?

 

Performance shoes use advanced tech like Air units, foam pods, and carbon plates. These complex systems have more moving parts.

Air Units: Visible bubbles like Nike Air Max can squeak against hard floors if the shoe is wet.

 

With more tech from New Balance, adidas, and Hoka that help great performance, knowing how to stop sneakers from squeaking is essential. 

 

Smooth Floors: Basketball and court shoes are designed for high traction. On very smooth surfaces (like linoleum or hardwood), that grip can sound like a squeak. This often goes away as the sole wears in.

What Can I Spray on My Shoes to Stop Them From Squeaking?

 

While sprays can be effective, they should be a last resort and used with caution. Silicone sprays and WD-40 are effective for rubber outsoles only. They reduce friction between the rubber parts.

 

How to apply: Never spray directly. Apply to a cloth first, then wipe onto the squeaky area.

 

What to avoid: Never use oil-based sprays on suede, nubuck, or untreated leather, as they will permanently darken and stain the material. For the upper, stick to clear leather conditioners.

 

We hope we’ve supplied you with all the tips and solutions you need to get rid of the squeak in your sneakers once and for all, and to care for and enjoy your sneakers for many wears to come. Shop sneaker care products.