If you’ve ever had a problem with tennis shoes squeaking while you’re playing on the court, then read on to find the quick fixes that could solve this problem.
Squeaking tennis shoes can be a big distraction when playing. Players require maximum concentration. Therefore, any distractions that pull players away from the match can ultimately prove costly.
To counter this, players should look for ways to overcome squeaking tennis shoes that will in turn help them maximize their concentration.
Before we look at the ways to overcome squeaking tennis shoes, it’s first important to see some of the causes of this squeaking.
Causes of Squeaking Tennis Shoes
The following are some of the causes of squeaking tennis shoes:
- Some manufacturing defects cause squeaking.
- Old shoes and general wear and tear is another known cause of squeaking.
- Insoles may begin rubbing against the inner parts of your shoe. This could cause your shoes to start making noise.
- Trapped moisture in specific parts of the shoe leads to squeaking as well.
- Newer shoes may require several weeks to grow into and thus can squeak in the first few weeks of usage.
- Newer rubber outsoles are also smooth. On similarly slick surfaces, they will often create sounds as a player moves. This, however, doesn’t last too long.
- Additionally, extremely slick courts and surfaces like indoor gyms will most definitely cause shoes to squeak when played on.
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Locating the Squeaky Problem
As is common with any issue, it’s always best to locate the source of the problem so that you don’t end up damaging a fully functional part. The same is true with squeaky shoes. Locating the source of the sound will help you know what you may need to fix.
To locate the problem, you can try the following:
- Listen carefully as you walk or have someone squat and listen for you.
- Test the shoes on different floors and surfaces to see the exact conditions that create their squeaking noises.
- Testing the shoes in different circumstances will also help to determine the exact problem. For example, wearing shoes barefoot instead of with socks will help you know whether the squeaking is a water-related problem.
Fixes To Squeaky Tennis Shoes
If you’re having problems with squeaky tennis shoes, some of the following fixes may be useful for your situation.
Repair Loose Heels and Soles
Loose heels and soles will not only cause squeaking but may also be a great hindrance to a player’s movements. Therefore, fixing them should be a key priority. The gap doesn’t even have to be an enormous space; small gaps can still cause squeaks.
To fix them, you should search to see if there are any spaces between the sole and the shoe’s body. Once you’ve located the gap, apply a bit of superglue in the joint around the heel/sole. Hold the shoe together, or use a clamp to ensure that the shoe is held together until the applied glue dries.
If this seems a bit daunting, or if you’re afraid of missing some crucial spots, a trip to your local cobbler could always ease this process for you.
However, it’s important to note that this may not work on certain types of shoes.
Check Likely Return Policies
If they are new shoes, as previously stated above, the problem could either be because of the smoother sole or a manufacturing defect.
In the case that it is a manufacturing defect, check possible return policies from your point of purchase to see whether you qualify for a refund or replacement.
Additionally, to accurately assess whether it could be a manufacturing defect, contact the manufacturers of the shoe who will accurately guide you on your situation.
For new shoes with a squeaking problem, this should always be the first step taken. When you take matters into your own hands, you may end up voiding the warranty and have to face the burden of replacing the shoes yourself.
Take Time to Grow Into Newer Shoes
In the case that the squeak from a new shoe isn’t from a manufacturing defect, it’s probably because of the smoother sole—in which the traction will improve with usage—or because the shoe just needs a bit of time for you to grow into.
This should not take too long, and the squeak should disappear in no more than two weeks.
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Repair Any Possible Water Damage
Water damage is one of the main causes of squeaking. Your shoes might have gotten completely soaked when you cleaned them or if rain managed to get into them.
There are a number of ways that you can fix water damage:
- Take out your shoe’s insole and sprinkle some baby powder or baking powder inside the shoe. If your shoe doesn’t have a removable insole, just sprinkle the powder around the inner parts of the shoe. This is an easy method that will help absorb any moisture trapped inside the shoe.
- Take the laces out, completely open up the shoe, and leave it in natural heat for the moisture to completely dry up.
- If your shoes can tolerate greater levels of heat, putting them in the dryer could be a great way of absorbing the shoes’ trapped moisture. Just put some fabric softener onto a piece of cloth and place it in the dryer together with the shoe. However, make sure that your shoes don’t stay in the dryer for more than 5-10 minutes. Keeping the shoes inside for too long may end up worsening their damage.
- Other methods of drying include using newspapers and cotton swabs. Even the tried and tested rice method is also known to be an effective alternative when it comes to absorbing trapped moisture.
Use Some Silicone Spray
Applying some silicone spray is another great fix. Just spray it onto a piece of cloth or cotton and then spread it on the seams of the noisy shoe.
Get a New Pair of Shoes
Sometimes, the problem may be that the shoes have been completely worn out. Trying some of the above-suggested fixes on extremely old shoes will therefore have an inevitable outcome.
Getting a new pair will help solve such burdens. You can check out our guide on the best clay court, hard court, and grass court shoes if your shoes are completely damaged and you need to replace them.
Closing Thoughts on Squeaky Tennis Shoes
Whatever your problem regarding squeaky shoes may be, one of the above solutions is bound to help you out. Ultimately, your situation will best guide the steps that you should take.
If your shoes are new, always seek help from the purchaser or manufacturer first. If they have been used for a short period, repairing loose parts or fixing water damage may be the best steps to take.
If they are old and completely worn out, then replacing them is the advisable alternative.
Always remember that having ideal footwear is a great advantage that will in turn help you dominate your opponents on the court.