Get Your Orthotics to Stop Squeaking

Orthotic inserts can do wonders for various foot problems, but they do have one major drawback: they are prone to squeaking when you walk. This noise can be aggravating and annoying to you and those around you, but worry not! This problem is easily cured. Many household items can do wonders for putting a little silence in your step.

Steps

Using Powder

  1. Select a powder. Several types of powder can be used to stop your orthotics from squeaking. Some good options include foot powder, talcum powder, and baby powder. Just look around your house and see if you have any of the above to choose from.[1]
  2. Remove the orthotic insert from your shoe. Simply take the orthotic insert out from the inside of your shoe. Take a slightly damp washcloth and wipe off both your insert and the inside of your shoe.
  3. Sprinkle the powder inside your shoe. Take your powder of choice and sprinkle it generously inside your shoe. You will need to use more than you may think.
  4. Rub the powder in. Massage the foot powder around in your shoe. Focus on the area where the hard plastic of your orthotic contacts with the nylon or leather of your shoe. This area creates friction and is the most likely to make noise.
  5. Re-insert the orthotic. Place the orthotic insert back into your shoe. Be sure that it is positioned correctly. Then, put your shoe on and take a few minutes to walk around on it. Hopefully the squeaking has ceased!

Using a Gel, Cream, or Spray

  1. Remove the orthotic from your shoe. Just as with the powder method, the first step is to gently remove the orthotic insert from your shoe. Now it also a good time to wipe it off and make sure it is clean. Then select the gel, cream, or spray you would like to use.
  2. Use hand lotion. Distribute a few pumps of regular hand lotion into your hand and rub your hands together. Then, apply this lotion to the underside of the orthotic insert, paying specific attention to the area where the hard plastic of your orthotic connects with your shoe.[2]
    • Avoid petroleum-based products (like Vaseline) as these can damage the material of your orthotic.
    • If possible, opt for simple lotions free of fragrances and dyes.
  3. Use anti-chaffing gel. Runners, hikers, and other types of athletes often use anti-chaffing gels to prevent blisters on their feet. You can use this same type of gel to stop your orthotics from squeaking. Simply apply anti-chaffing gel to the underside of the orthotic insert, paying specific attention to the area where the hard plastic of your orthotic connects with your shoe.[3]
    • Anti-chaffing gel is available for purchase from outdoor equipment or sporting goods stores.
  4. Use food-grade silicone spray. Food-grade silicone is another great option for lubricating the underside of your orthotic inserts and stopping (or preventing) squeaking noises. Spray food-grade silicone into your shoe and on the underside of your insert.[4]
  5. Place the orthotic back in your shoe. Position the orthotic insert back inside your shoe, and put your shoe back on. Walk around for a few minutes. Hopefully you will not hear any noise.

Using Other Materials

  1. Remove the orthotic insert. Just as before, remove the orthotic from your shoe. Then locate materials from your house that could be used to temper the friction of your orthotic insert. Some materials to choose from are tape (duct or packing), a dryer sheet, or moleskin.
  2. Use tape. Tape can be an excellent choice because its adhesive quality assures that it will stay put. Packing tape or duct tape are great options. Simply take some tape and wrap it around the plastic edges of your insole, where it makes contact with your shoe.[5]
  3. Use a dryer sheet. Using a dryer sheet is another good tactic. You can use either a brand-new sheet, or recycle one that has already been used for drying. Cut the dryer sheet into the shape of your insole. Then, insert the dryer sheet directly into your shoe. Using a dryer sheet has the added benefit of making the inside of your shoes smell like fresh laundry.[4]
  4. Use moleskin. Moleskin is a heavy cotton fabric available in craft stores. Sometimes, it is available with adhesive backing. If your moleskin does not have sticky backing, simply cut a piece of moleskin the shape of your orthotic and place it inside your shoe (as you would do with a dryer sheet). If your moleskin does have adhesive backing, stick it onto the plastic edge of your orthotic (as you would do with tape).[5]
  5. Place the orthotic back in your shoe. Insert the orthotic back into your shoe. Ensure that you have positioned it correctly. Put on your shoe and walk around. You should not hear any squeaking.

Things You'll Need

  • Some kind of powder (foot powder, baby powder, or talcum)
  • Some kind of “gel” (lotion, anti-chaffing gel, or silicone spray).
  • Tape, dryer sheet, or moleskin

Tips

  • Make sure that your orthotic inserts are the correct size.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://ask.metafilter.com/195403/No-Im-not-walking-on-porposies-or-how-to-make-orthotics-not-squeak
  2. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/243000/macgyver-tip--quiet-squeaky-shoes-with-baby-powder
  3. ↑ https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/blister-prevention-and-foot-care.7890/
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.footankle.com/patients/squeaky-orthotics/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.podiatrytoday.com/blogged/how-fix-squeaky-orthotics

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