The sun-kissed days of summer often call for the airy comfort of leather sandals, with supple straps and cushioned soles that let your feet breathe on hot days. There’s only one thing that can ruin your leather sandal experience - that awkward squeaking sound.
Leather sandals making noise when you walk is pretty common, but it can spoil the calm and draw unwanted attention to you and your squeaky feet. So, what can you do about leather sandals that squeak?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to stop squeaky leather sandals. We’ll give you some tips to help you understand whether your squeaks are normal, help you reduce the noise, and also offer some general care tips to keep your favorite sandals serving you for years to come.
Is Leather Sandals Making Noise Normal?
Before we dive into how to stop squeaky leather sandals, should that squeaking sound even be there in the first place? Here are some of the reasons why your sandals might be squeaking, and how to troubleshoot leather sandals making noise when you walk.
Understanding the Causes of Squeaking Leather Sandals
Squeaking in leather sandals typically stems from the friction between various materials used in their construction. This friction often occurs when leather rubs against itself or other components like rubber or synthetic materials. Moisture, like sweat or water, can amplify the squeaking.
Identifying the Source of the Squeak: Straps, Soles, and Insoles
Leather sandals making noise can be caused by straps rubbing against the footbed or against each other, soles with air trapped beneath, or insoles that have come slightly unglued. Identifying where the sound is coming from helps you find the right solution, which we’ll get to soon.
Differentiating Between Normal and Problematic Squeaking
Not all squeaks are created equal! Some initial noise in brand-new leather sandals might be normal as the materials break in and adjust to your feet. However, continuous, persistent, or very loud squeaking, especially in well-worn sandals, might be an issue.
It's essential to distinguish between expected squeaks during the break-in period and ongoing, bothersome noise that disrupts daily wear. If your sandals are squeaking and you’re not sure whether it’s normal, start by learning how to stop leather sandals from squeaking and see if it makes a difference.
How to Stop Squeaky Leather Sandals: Tips for Quiet, Comfortable Steps in Your New Flip Flops
Tired of the persistent squeaks interrupting your tranquil walks in leather flip flops? Fear not! Here’s how to stop squeaky leather sandals and hush those unwelcome noises. Follow these tips to enjoy serene silence with every step you take.
Proper Cleaning and Conditioning
Learning how to stop squeaky leather sandals starts with understanding how to clean leather sandals properly. Giving your sandals a thorough cleaning can stop them squeaking, but it’s important you follow the specific care instructions for your sandals and use the right cleaning agents.
Generally, a leather cleaner can remove any sort of grime build-up that may be contributing to the squeaking, and a leather conditioner added after that can help to keep your sandals soft and supple, reducing friction that can cause squeaks in even the best leather sandals.
Using Talcum Powder or Cornstarch
Sprinkling a bit of talcum powder or cornstarch along the footbed and under the straps can work wonders. These powders help absorb moisture, reducing the friction between your feet and the leather, consequently minimizing squeaking.
Talcum powder has other uses beyond how to stop leather sandals from squeaking. It’s a great solution if your leather sandals are starting to develop an odor, which can occur if you’re wearing them in warm weather for long periods of time.
Moisture Control
Too much moisture is bad for leather sandals in a number of ways, but it can also contribute to their squeakiness. If your sandals get wet, make sure you allow them to dry fully before wearing them. Leave them in the sun, near a heater, or even gently use a hair dryer to dry them out.
Wondering how to stop squeaky leather sandals that are caused by sweaty feet? Moisture control is the key here as well. Some people add a small amount of Vaseline to the footbed, which creates a moisture barrier, preventing your sweat from causing squeaks.
Checking and Adjusting Straps and Fastenings
Often, loose or misaligned straps can be the culprits behind squeaky sandals. Check for any loose ends or parts that might be rubbing against each other. Adjust the straps or fastenings to ensure a snug fit without unnecessary rubbing or friction.
If your sandal has a metal buckle or fastening that’s causing the squeaking sound, you may even be able to carefully apply a small amount of a lubricant like WD-40. Use a cotton swab to ensure you don’t get any on the leather part of your sandals.
When DIY Solutions Don’t Work: Seeking Professional Help
Even if you learn how to stop squeaky leather sandals and follow all the steps we’ve outlined, persistent squeaks in your sandals can continue to embarrass you in public. When your home remedies fail, it might be time to turn to a pro who can help you salvage your favorite footwear.
You might like to take your squeaky leather sandals to a shoe repair shop or a cobbler. These professionals can inspect your sandals to identify underlying problems that your DIY fixes might have missed.
Shoe repair experts can pinpoint specific areas or components contributing to the squeaking. They might recommend that you adjust the straps or replace your worn-out insoles.
More Advice on Caring For Your Leather Flip Flops
While dealing with squeaks from your sandals is important, there’s a lot more to caring for leather flip flops than that! High-quality leather requires some love and care to keep your favorite summer sandals in premium condition, serving you for years to come.
Make sure you’re cleaning your sandals as needed with leather cleaner, and applying a conditioner afterwards to protect the leather and maintain its suppleness.
When you’re not wearing your leather sandals, keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent cracking or fading. Keep them dry (and dry them out quickly if they do get wet), and try to give them a break occasionally.
Remember, quality leather will mold to your foot and become more comfortable over time, so protecting your leather sandals for the long run is very important!
Parting Thoughts on How to Stop Leather Sandals From Squeaking
Sandals that squeak can be a bit annoying, but it’s a small price to pay for beautiful leather footwear that keeps your feet comfortable and stylish during the warmer months. Plus, simple solutions like cleaning or applying talcum powder often curb the squeaks.
If you’re ready for a pair of premium men’s leather sandals, make sure you check out our selection here at Southern Polished. Our beautifully crafted American made sandals combine old-world techniques with contemporary designs to give you modern summer sandals that will stand the test of time.
Our full-grain leather hides are tanned in Milwaukee, and crafted using techniques that mimic the age-old Italian sandal makers. Your sandals will become more comfortable with every step you take, and develop a stunning, unique patina over time - each pair is one of a kind!
As well as our sandals, we also have beautiful southern bags, made from the same vegetable-tanned leather. These bags are carefully crafted, with plenty of room for larger items and four internal pockets to keep your smaller items accessible.
Give your feet the care they deserve - invest in a stylish pair of quality leather sandals from Southern Polished!