How to Prevent Shoes from Squeaking: A Parent's Guide to Quiet, Comfortable School Shoes

1. Moisture Trapped Inside the Shoe

One of the leading causes of squeaky shoes is moisture. Whether it's from rainy weather, puddles on the playground, or even sweat from active feet, excess moisture can create a squeaking sound as it gets trapped between different layers of the shoe. This is especially common in school shoes made with leather uppers or cushioned insoles, where dampness can affect both the comfort and sound of the shoe.

2. Loose Insoles or Poorly Fitted Footbeds

If the insole inside the shoe is not properly secured or doesn't fit the shoe snugly, it may shift as your child walks. This movement can create friction and cause a squeaky or creaky noise, particularly when pressure is applied to the heel or ball of the foot. Over time, repeated movement can wear down the inner materials and worsen the problem.

3. Friction Between Shoe Materials

Sometimes, squeaks are simply the result of different materials rubbing together. In many kids' school shoes, you'll find a mix of leather, rubber, and fabric. If these layers aren't well-aligned or are too stiff, the friction between them can cause unwanted noise. Leather rubbing against synthetic linings or rubber soles is a particularly common issue, especially in newer pairs.

4. Worn Out Soles

After months of wear, the outer soles of school shoes can lose their grip, cushioning, or even start to separate from the rest of the shoe. This deterioration can lead to increased movement between the sole and upper, resulting in squeaks. If your child's shoes are squeaking and showing signs of wear, it could be a sign they need to be repaired or replaced.

5. New and Stiff Shoes Not Yet Broken In

Brand new school shoes often squeak simply because the materials haven't had time to soften and flex with your child's foot. The stiffness of the upper, outsole, or tongue can create rubbing sounds during movement. This is quite common in leather school shoes and usually resolves after a few wears, but sometimes a little extra care is needed to speed up the break-in process.

Understanding these causes is the first step toward quieter, more comfortable footwear. In the next section, we'll look at how to stop squeaky shoes using quick, practical solutions that work well for children's everyday school shoes.

1. Dry the Shoes Thoroughly

Moisture is one of the most common reasons for squeaky shoes, especially when it comes to children who wear their school shoes all day. Whether it’s rain, puddles, or sweat, even small amounts of trapped moisture can cause annoying sounds.

To solve this:

• Remove the insoles from the shoes if they are detachable and allow them to dry in a warm, ventilated room.
• Stuff the inside of the shoes with dry newspaper or paper towels. This helps absorb moisture overnight and prevents dampness from settling deep into the material.
• Position the shoes near a gentle heat source like a radiator, but never place them directly on top of it.
• Avoid leaving leather school shoes in direct sunlight or on top of heaters, as this can dry out the material and lead to cracking.

Drying the shoes thoroughly not only removes the squeak but also helps prevent the development of unpleasant odours and long-term material damage.

2. Use Baby Powder or Cornflour

If you hear the squeak coming from inside the shoe, it may be due to friction between the insole and the base of the shoe. This is particularly common in shoes with removable insoles.

To address this:

• Take out the insole and lightly sprinkle baby powder or cornflour into the footbed area.
• Spread the powder evenly across the surface so it covers the friction points.
• Place the insole back into the shoe and press it down firmly to ensure a good fit.
• Let your child wear the shoes around the house to test whether the squeaking has improved.

The powder acts as a lubricant and moisture absorber. It reduces internal rubbing and helps the insole sit more securely inside the shoe.

3. Apply Leather Conditioner or Oil

Squeaking caused by leather rubbing against other materials can be solved by softening the leather itself. This is a gentle fix that also helps extend the life of your child's school shoes.

Here's how:

• Choose a trusted leather conditioner or a small amount of natural oil, such as mink or coconut oil.
• Apply it to the areas where the shoe parts move or rub together, including the tongue, sides, and around the eyelets.
• Use a soft cloth to work the product into the leather, applying a thin, even layer.
• Allow the shoes to dry fully before wearing, and then buff the surface to remove any remaining product.

Conditioning helps the leather become more flexible, which can eliminate unwanted friction noises.

4. Try Waterproof Spray or Shoe Protector

Shoes made from suede, nubuck, or mixed materials tend to absorb water more easily. When these shoes get damp, they often squeak as the materials rub or move under pressure.

To help prevent this:

• Use a waterproof spray that is suitable for the shoe's material. Always read the label to confirm compatibility.
• Spray an even layer across the outer surface of the shoe, including any seams or stitching.
• Let the shoes dry for at least 12 hours before your child wears them to school.
• Reapply the spray every few weeks during wet seasons or when shoes are frequently exposed to moisture.

This creates a protective barrier that repels water and reduces the chance of internal squeaking caused by damp fabric or suede.

5. Fix or Replace Worn Soles

As school shoes get older, the soles can become smooth, uneven, or even partially detached from the upper. This can lead to squeaking sounds when the shoe moves or flexes against hard flooring.

To fix this:

• Examine the soles for signs of wear, such as flat spots, cracks, or thinning areas.
• Gently press along the edges to see if the sole is lifting away from the shoe.
• For small separations, apply a strong rubber adhesive and press the sole back into place.
• Clamp or weigh down the shoe while the glue sets to ensure a strong bond.
• If the sole is too worn or damaged, consider replacing it entirely or buying a new pair of kids' school shoes that are designed to withstand daily use.

Quality soles reduce noise, provide better traction, and ensure your child's school footwear remains supportive and long-lasting.

These tried-and-tested solutions can help stop squeaky shoes from becoming a daily frustration. Next, we'll explore how to prevent those annoying sounds from happening in the first place.

1. Choose the Right Fit

Squeaking frequently occurs when a shoe does not fit correctly. If the shoe is too tight, internal parts can rub together. If it is too loose, the foot can move inside the shoe and cause friction or rubbing between materials.

• Always get your child’s feet measured professionally before buying a new pair
• Select styles with adjustable fastenings, such as Velcro straps, laces or buckles, to ensure a secure fit
• Consider wide or narrow fit options depending on foot shape
• Avoid using hand-me-down shoes that may be misshapen or worn unevenly, as these can alter the shoe’s structure and increase squeaking

Ensuring the right fit from day one can significantly reduce movement-related noise and improve comfort.

2. Break Them In Gently

New shoes often have firm materials and stiff soles that have not yet adjusted to your child’s walking style. A gentle break-in period helps soften the shoe and reduce friction between parts.

• Let your child wear the shoes indoors for short periods during the first few days
• Use thicker socks initially to reduce rubbing and cushion the feet
• Flex the soles by hand a few times before the first wear to help ease stiffness
• Encourage your child to walk around the house to spot any early issues or discomfort

Gradual wear allows the shoe to adapt to your child’s movements, helping prevent unwanted squeaking caused by rigid construction.

3. Maintain Your Shoes Weekly

Regular care keeps school shoes in shape and prevents squeaking. A well-maintained shoe is less likely to trap moisture, suffer from internal friction or develop material damage.

• Allow shoes to air out overnight, especially after wet weather or long wear days
• Wipe them clean using a soft cloth, mild soap and water, or polish depending on the material
• Condition leather shoes with appropriate leather cream to keep the material soft and flexible
• Spray waterproof protectant every few weeks to prevent moisture damage

If you need help with cleaning techniques, check out our guide on how to clean school shoes for more expert tips.

4. Store Them in the Right Conditions

Where and how your child stores their school shoes can have a big impact on their condition. Poor storage can lead to material warping or deterioration that causes squeaking over time.

• Keep shoes in a dry and well-ventilated area after school
• Avoid piling them at the bottom of a school bag or leaving them under damp coats
• Store them upright to retain shape
• Use newspaper, clean cloths or shoe trees to absorb moisture and preserve form
• Never place them directly next to a heater or radiator, as this can dry out materials and cause cracking or stiffness

By storing school shoes properly, you can help extend their life, reduce creases and keep them comfortable and quiet for daily wear.