How to Quiet Squeaky Orthotics

Anyone who's placed orthotics into a pair of shoes knows it takes time to get accustomed to how they they feel when you walk. What can be bothersome is that squeaky sound orthotics sometimes make. Squeaks happen when the inside of the shoe rubs against the orthotic, commonly at the arch or heel area. Squeaky orthotics are typical in running shoes with slick material inside or when your orthotic isn't lying flat. You can make a few adjustments to help quiet your feet.

Things You'll Need

• Foot powder
• Medium-coarse sandpaper

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Instructions

• 1

  Sprinkle foot or talcum powder generously underneath and on top of the orthotics each time you place them in your shoes.

• 2

  Check your shoes. Some shoes prevent an orthotic from resting flat as it should, which is one cause of the squeaking sound when you walk. If the orthotic is not lying flat within the shoe, the orthotic might need to be adjusted or a different shoe might be necessary.

• 3

  Roughen up your orthotics with sandpaper. Rubbing with medium-coarse sandpaper can help give an orthotic better traction inside the shoe and stop it from squeaking. The most effective areas for this treatment are commonly the bottom or the outside border of the heel. Check first with your doctor first to be sure sanding your orthotics will not cause other problems.

• 4

  Bring your orthotics and the shoes in which they squeak to your podiatrist. You might need to have your practitioner evaluate why the orthotics are squeaking. Your practitioner might make an adjustment or advise you about what types of shoes you can wear to solve the problem.