Why are my work boots squeaking?

Find where the squeak comes from

The fix depends on the source, so take a minute to locate it before you start.

1. 1

   Walk on a hard floor and listen. Is the noise inside the boot or from the sole on the floor?

2. 2

   Take the boot off and press down on the insole with your thumb, moving it back and forth. A squeak here means the insole is rubbing.

3. 3

   Flex the boot by hand at the ball of the foot. A squeak from the upper or tongue points to leather rubbing.

4. 4

   Walk on carpet. If the squeak stops, it is the outsole on smooth floors.

5. 5

   Look at the edge where the sole meets the upper for gaps, especially at the toe.

Causes and fixes at a glance

Insole squeaks

This is the most common cause. The insole slides against the footbed or rubs on the inside of the boot as you flex. It often gets worse when there is a little moisture inside.

If the boot has no removable insole, a little powder inside the boot may still help.

1. 1

   Pull out the insole.

2. 2

   Make sure the inside of the boot is completely dry.

3. 3

   Sprinkle a light layer of talc free baby powder or cornstarch on the footbed.

4. 4

   Put the insole back and press it flat.

5. 5

   If the insole is worn or cracked, replace it. See how to choose insoles for work boots.

Tongue, lace and upper squeaks

New leather, dry leather and stiff tongues can squeak where the tongue rubs against the upper or the laces rub through the eyelets and hooks. Conditioning the leather usually quiets it.

Full routine in how to condition Red Wing and Thorogood boots. On new boots, the squeak often fades during break in. See how to break in work boots.

1. 1

   Remove the laces.

2. 2

   Clean the leather if it is dirty.

3. 3

   Rub a thin coat of leather conditioner into the tongue edges, the gusset and the eyelet area.

4. 4

   Let it absorb, wipe off the excess and relace.

Outsole squeaks on smooth floors

Rubber soles can squeak on polished concrete, tile and wet floors. This is common with new boots and with soft, slip resistant rubber compounds, which are designed to grip. It is a floor and sole interaction, not a defect.

• Dry the soles fully, including between lugs.
• Clean off oil, film or residue with soapy water.
• Wear tends to roughen the surface and reduce the noise over time.

Note.Do not sand, coat or oil the outsole to stop squeaking. That can reduce slip resistance, which matters more than the noise.

Preventing squeaks in the future

Most squeaks come back when boots are put away wet or the leather dries out. A simple routine keeps them quiet and helps the boots last.

If you need boots that handle wet sites better, see the best waterproof work boots.

• Pull the insoles out at the end of a wet shift so the inside dries fully.
• Air dry boots at room temperature, never next to a heater. See how to dry work boots.
• Condition the leather when it looks dry, especially the tongue and lace area.
• Replace insoles when they are packed flat or cracked.
• Rotate two pairs if you work in wet conditions every day, so each pair dries between shifts.

When the squeak means repair

A squeak or a squishing sound combined with water getting in, a soft spot under foot, or a visible gap at the sole edge can mean the sole is coming away from the upper. In cemented boots, the glue bond may be failing. In welted boots, stitching may be worn.

A separating sole should be fixed quickly. It lets in water and debris, and on EH rated boots any damage to the sole can reduce electrical protection. See work boot sole separating and can work boots be resoled. If your waterproof boots are wet inside, read waterproof work boots leaking.

See durable construction boots →

Frequently asked questions

Why do my new boots squeak? New leather and stiff insoles often squeak until they break in. Conditioning the leather and powder under the insole usually help.

Why do my boots squeak only when wet? Water trapped under the insole or between the sole layers squeaks as you walk. Dry the boots fully with the insoles removed.

Can WD-40 stop boot squeaks? It is not a good idea on leather or soles. It can damage leather finishes and make soles slippery. Use powder and leather conditioner instead.

Is a squeaky boot a defect? Usually not. Insole and leather squeaks are common and fixable. A squeak from a separating sole is a defect worth raising with the seller if the boots are new.