Summertime is the perfect time to break out your favorite pair of sandals. However, if you’ve been wearing them all winter long, chances are they’re a little bit squeaky. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss how to fix squeaky sandals.
Sandals And Squeaky Sandals?
Sandals are a type of footwear that is typically worn in the warmer months. They are usually made out of a variety of materials, including leather, rubber, and cloth.
The most common type of sandal is the flip-flop. Flip-flops are typically made out of rubber or plastic and have a thong that goes between the big toe and the second toe. There are a variety of other types of sandals as well, including slides, gladiators, and platform sandals.
Squeaky sandals are simply a pair of sandals that make a noise when you walk in them. The noise is caused by the friction between the sole of the shoe and the ground. This can be a very annoying problem, especially if you’re trying to enjoy a quiet walk on the beach.
Tips On Choosing The Right Sandals
Before we get into how to fix squeaky sandals, let’s discuss how to choose the right pair of sandals in the first place. When you’re shopping for new sandals, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Look for sandals with a thicker sole. This will provide more cushioning and prevent the sole from rubbing against the ground.
- If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking in your sandals, make sure to choose a pair that’s comfortable and provides good support.
- Avoid sandals with metal hardware or embellishments. These can often be the culprits of squeaky sandals.
- Opt for a pair of sandals made from natural materials like leather or canvas. These leather shoes or suede shoes are less likely to squeak than synthetic materials.
Now that you know how to choose the right pair of sandals, let’s move on to how to fix squeaky sandals.
Why Do Sandals Squeak?
These are ten common reasons why sandals squeak:
1. First-Time Wear
This causes squeaky sandals because the materials are still stiff and need to be broken in. To fix this, wear them around the house for a few hours or take them for a walk around the block. After a while, they will start to loosen up and the squeaking should stop.
2. Wet Sandals
This is a common problem because the water makes the sandals expand. This may be caused by sweaty feet. As they dry, they will contract and this can cause them to squeak.
3. Rough Surface
This also causes the sole of the sandal to rub against the ground and can create squeaky noises.
4. Tight Straps
This is a common problem, especially with new sandals. The straps may be too tight because they’re new or because they’ve been stretched out from being worn.
5. Dry Soles
Dry soles are a common cause of squeaky shoes because they need to be lubricated in order to prevent them from rubbing against the ground.
6. Debris
Debris can become stuck in between the sole and strap of the sandal, which can cause them to become noisy shoes.
7. Loosened Heel Cup
The loose heel cup also makes the shoe squeak.
How To Fix Squeaky Sandals
These are six effective ways of fixing squeaky sandals and we’ll discuss them in detail below:
1. Wear Socks
Wearing socks with sandals is not the most fashionable look, but it will definitely help to reduce the amount of noise they make. This is a common problem, especially with new sandals.
2. Loosen Tight Straps
The straps may be too tight because they’re new or because they’ve been stretched out from being worn. To fix this, loosen the straps by adjusting the buckle or by using a shoe stretcher.
3. Apply Absorbents
Applying absorbents like talcum baby powder or cornstarch to the inside of the shoe will absorb any moisture or air bubbles and help to prevent the sandals from squeaking.
4. Walk On Softer Surfaces
Walking on a softer surface such as grass or carpet will help to reduce the amount of noise the sandals make.
5. Tighten Heel Cup
Tightening the heel cup by using a shoehorn or a small piece of wire will help to reduce the amount of noise the sandals make.
6. Apply Lubricants
Applying WD-40, saddle soap, or Vaseline petroleum jelly to the soles of the shoes will help to lubricate them and reduce the amount of noise they make.
How To Take Care Of Your Sandals
The following are the various ways to take care of your sandals to ensure they last long:
- Keep them in a cool, dry place when not in use because excessive exposure to sun or rain will damage them.
- Do not store them in plastic bags because this will cause the leather to dry out and crack.
- Use a shoe tree or stuffing when storing them to help keep their shape.
- Take them to a cobbler for repairs and polishing because this will help to extend their life.
- Use a waterproof spray to protect them from water and stains because this will help to keep them looking new.
- Do not store them in direct sunlight because this will cause the color to fade.
- Do not expose them to extreme heat or cold because this will cause the material to warp.
- Clean them with a soft cloth after each use because this will help to remove dirt and dust.
- Use a mild soap and water solution to clean them when they get dirty because this will not damage the material. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners because this will damage the material.
- Dry them thoroughly after cleaning because this will prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- Apply leather conditioner to keep the straps soft and pliable.
- Use a toothbrush to remove dirt and debris from the crevices of the sandal.
- Avoid getting them wet if possible because this will cause them to deteriorate faster.
- Do not wear them in extreme weather conditions because this will damage the material.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful and that you now know how to fix squeaky sandals. Remember to follow the tips above to take care of your sandals and extend their life.
