The right pair of high-quality leather shoes is what can make a difference in your style. It is not a secret that when we are looking for a clean and elegant look, a pair of Oxfords or leather loafers are the best options, but, there is one problem, and that is that leather shoes tend to squeak. It may be troublesome, especially when we are wearing them for work. At the office, where usually there is silence, a squeaking sound can be truly bothersome. Fortunately, we have some tips for you on how to avoid it. But, let’s start from the beginning.
Why do leather shoes squeak?
There are different reasons why your leather shoes may make noises while you’re walking. One of the most common ones is the friction created between the sole and the insole. But it’s not the only cause. The shoe pieces may wear out over the years and become loose what will make them squeak. That is especially common among Goodyear shoes, as they have a wooden split on the foot arch. Finally, we should be careful during the rainy days since the water is another of the principal causes of squeaking shoes.
How to stop leather shoes from squeaking
Luckily, when our leather shoes start to squeak, it doesn’t mean we have to throw them away as there are several methods we can try to make it stop.
Pull out the insoles and sprinkle some talc
If the problem is the friction that occurs between the sole and the insole, there is an easy and cheap solution. Simply pull out the insoles and sprinkle some talc into the shoe. You can also put a piece of kitchen roll under the insole, which will keep the insole from moving and reduce friction.
Dry your shoes
If the squeaking is the effect of the moisture, you should let your leather shoes dry. To make the process even better, you can fill the shoes in with the newspapers. It is recommended not to wear the same pair of shoes on two consecutive days to prevent this from happening again in the future. It is always better to let them rest for at least 24 hours.
Use sandpaper
If the cause of the noise is the sole, you can pass fine-grained sandpaper through it. This way, it will be rougher and will eliminate the noise when walking.
Use adequate shoe care products
Taking good care of leather shoes will also help us combat problems with squeaking shoes. Using moisturizing cream or lubricants will be of great help.
Take your shoes to a shoemaker
If none of the above tips are helpful, you can always take your shoes to a trusted shoemaker, who will surely know how to guide you.
Why do leather shoes crack?
The other common problem we may have with leather shoes is that they tend to crack, even if they are high-quality. We should remember that they are made of natural material, so they need constant nutrition. In another case, they will dry out and finally crack.
Therefore get a goodshoe care kit and use it regularly. You should also keep in mind that high temperatures are the enemy of leather, so try to avoid putting them anywhere nearby the radiators or fireplaces.
Although it may seem that taking care of leather shoes takes a lot of time, it’s not entirely true. It’s not a difficult task, and the effort is worth it. If you need some tips on how to do it properly, check out our guide on How to clean leather shoes, you will find there a lot of interesting insights and help you show off your footwear in good condition. Check out our shoe care products and keep them as good as the first day.