Why Do My New Balance Sneakers Squeak? (Here’s the Solution)
In short: Your New Balance sneakers are squeaking because of moisture trapped between the insoles and the rest of the shoes. Remove the insoles and sprinkle some baby powder. Leave the powder in your shoes overnight and empty out the excess powder in the morning.
In this article, I’ll explain why your New Balance shoes are squeaking so badly. I’ll also provide several tips you can try to stop the annoying squeaking sound almost immediately.
Why your New Balance shoes are squeaking
Sometimes air or moisture can get trapped between the insert and the rest of the shoe which may cause a squeak. The fit of the orthotic in the shoe can cause friction and therefore noise as well.
1. Moisture between the insole and the shoe
Most New Balance shoes don't use adhesive to keep the included insole attached to the shoe's midsole. You can use your hands to easily pull the insole free of the shoe without much effort.
New Balance designed their shoes with removable inserts so that you can further customize your shoe fit through the use of upgraded insoles or special orthotics from other brands.
Of course, wearing shoes with removable insoles has its benefits, but you are also more prone to produce a loud squeaking noise every time you walk and take a stride.
The squeaking noise coming from your New Balance sneakers is caused by the combination of air and moisture trapped between the insert and the rest of the shoe.
Although I always avoid wet surfaces, a friend of mine said his New Balance sneakers always squeak when he goes from a wet floor to a dry floor, and when the soles are wet.
Alternatively, the sweat coming from your feet, especially if you don’t wear socks, can contribute to the accumulation of moisture inside the shoes, producing the squeaking noise.
This goes to show that the combination of trapped air and excess moisture, especially between the insole and the rest of the shoes, can cause a loud squeaking noise with a pair of NBs.
2. The insole rubbing against the side walls (leather)
Sometimes, it’s not about moisture, but the unique design of the sneakers as well as the materials. If your New Balance sneakers are made of leather, it can squeak a lot.
Your New Balance sneakers can squeak when the leather material rubs against each other, or you’re wearing a pair of orthotics that cause friction inside the shoes.
I recently bought the New Balance 990v5 (leather) and it made squeaky sounds. After a quick observation, I noticed that the insole rubs against the side walls of the shoes, making a noise.
The squeaking noise is very similar to the squeaking noise produced by my Adidas shoes, especially since all of them (Samba and Gazelle) are made of leather material.
It’s more about the leather that squeaks because the fibers are pulled taut in different directions, rather than the trapped moisture underneath the removable insoles.
Also, if you are using a pair of orthotics, the unique fit of the orthotics inside your New Balance shoes can also cause friction and therefore, produce the squeaking noise as well.
3. The rubber outsole rubbing against a slick surface
Another reason why your New Balance sneakers are squeaking is because of the new rubber outsole, especially when it’s rubbing against a slick surface, like a basketball court.
Try to listen to the outsole when you walk. You should be able to tell the difference whether the squeaking noise is coming from the outsole or from the inside of the shoes.
Don’t worry about the "new outsole" noises. It will go away when you start walking outside on some concrete pavement to lightly wear away the coating that makes the noise.
How to stop New Balance shoes from squeaking
The squeaking might be annoying to you and the people around you. If you’re fed up with the noise, here are some things you can do to stop New Balance shoes from squeaking.
1. Just wear them outside
If the source of the squeaking is the outsole, it will go away when you start walking outside on some concrete pavement to lightly wear away the coating that makes the noise.
It’s normal for New Balance shoes to squeak when they’re new. It happened with my 574s and since I wore the sneakers for walking constantly, the squeaking went away after a few hours.
2. Sprinkle some baby powder
The best solution is to remove the insoles and sprinkle some baby powder into the shoes. Leave the powder in your shoes overnight and in the morning empty out the excess powder.
Regardless of the New Balance shoes you have, loosen the laces as much as possible to gain greater access to the inside of the shoe and make it easier to remove the standard insoles.
If your New Balance shoes happen to use adhesive, and for some reason, the adhesive will not detach easily, use a hair dryer set to low heat to warm and loosen the adhesive.
Remove the insoles and sprinkle baby powder or baking soda into the shoe. Leave them overnight and empty out the excess powder in the morning.
Replace the insoles and try walking with your New Balance shoes. The powder should draw out the moisture inside the shoes and ultimately stop the squeaking noise.
3. Wear breathable socks
The best thing you can do to prevent squeaking noises from your New Balance sneakers is to wear breathable socks. This keeps the moisture that causes the squeaking at a minimum.
Whether you go for a sockless look or something almost as tall as your knees, try to choose a pair of socks made from a combination of nylon or polyester.
It’s a sin to wear New Balance sneakers without socks because it keeps moisture on the foot and can make you more susceptible to foot ailments like athlete's foot or toenail fungus.
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