Orthopedic insoles are the perfect solution for many foot ailments, but they have one major drawback: they squeak as you walk. Noise can be very annoying, annoying you and the people around you, but you don't have to worry! Fortunately, the problem is easily solved; several common products are capable of doing wonders by "silencing" your footsteps.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a Powder Product
Step 1. Choose a powder
There are several types that you can use to prevent orthotics from squeaking. Among the various options you can consider the powdered deodorant for the feet, the talcum powder and the one for children; do a little research in the house and see what you have available.
Step 2. Remove the insoles from the shoes
Just take them out and rub them with a damp cloth; proceed in the same way on the inside of the shoes.
Step 3. Sprinkle the powder inside the footwear
Take the product of your choice and pour in a generous amount, you will need more than you think.
Step 4. Rub the product
Massage the inside of the shoes to distribute the powder; focus on the areas where the hard plastic of the inserts comes into contact with the leather or nylon of the shoes. These are the points where the greatest friction is generated and consequently the noise.
Step 5. Reinsert the insoles
Put them correctly in their place, put on your shoes for a few minutes and walk around the room; hopefully the squeak is gone!
Method 2 of 3: Use a Gel, Cream or Spray
Step 1. Remove the insoles from the shoes
Just like you did for the previous method, you just need to gently take them out of your shoes and take advantage of the opportunity to clean them; then choose a gel, cream or spray product to use.
Step 2. Use hand lotion
Distribute a good dose of normal cream on your hands and rub them together; then, spread the product on the underside of the insoles, paying particular attention to the hard plastic areas that come into contact with the shoes.
- Avoid petrolatum (such as petroleum jelly), as they can damage the material of orthopedic inserts.
- If possible, choose a simple, odorless, dye-free cream.
Step 3. Use a crack gel
Runners, hikers and many other athletes use this product to prevent blistering of their feet, but you can use it to stop orthotics from squeaking. Simply spread it on the underside of the inserts, taking care not to neglect the hard plastic areas that come into contact with the shoes.
You can find this gel in sporting goods and outdoor equipment stores
Step 4. Use a food grade silicone spray
This is another perfect lubricant to apply on the underside of the insoles to prevent them from squeaking; spray it inside the shoes and on the orthopedic inserts.
Step 5. Put the orthotics back into the shoes
Position them correctly and wear footwear; walk around the room for a few minutes, hopefully any noise is gone.
Method 3 of 3: Use other Materials
Step 1. Remove the insoles from your shoes
Just like with the methods described above, you need to get them out of the footwear. Then look for some materials that you can use to reduce friction, such as duct tape (cloth or parcel tape), dryer fabric softeners, or moleskin.
Step 2. Test with masking tape
It can prove to be an excellent solution, because it stays right where you apply it. Choose the canvas or pack and simply wrap it around the plastic edges of the insole, on the points of contact with the shoe.
Step 3. Use the fabric softener slips
This is another useful tactic; you can use new ones or recycle an already used paper in the dryer. Cut it out according to the shape of the insole and insert it directly into the shoe. This method offers an added advantage: the shoes will smell as fresh as freshly washed laundry.
Step 4. Try the moleskin
It is a very thick cotton fabric that you can buy in fabric stores. Some models have an adhesive back that allows them to be used as plasters. If the fabric you purchased is not adhesive, cut it out following the shape of the insole and put it inside the shoe (as you would do with the fabric softener); if it is pre-glued, attach it to the edge of the orthopedic insert (as if it were adhesive tape).
Step 5. Put the orthotics back into the shoes
Make sure they are inserted correctly and wear footwear; walk around the room a bit, you shouldn't hear any noise anymore.
