How Do I Stop Hoka Shoes From Squeaking? [2024]

Hoka shoes are known for their thick, cushioned soles that provide a soft and comfortable feel while running or walking. However, some Hoka shoe models have gained a reputation for developing annoying squeaks that can drive wearers crazy. Though Hoka shoes are otherwise beloved for their pillow-like ride, the high-pitched squeaking noise emanating from the soles and rubbing against the insides with each step is impossible to ignore.

If you have found yourself with a pair of squeaky Hoka shoes, you likely want to know what can be done to stop the squeaking for good. Though the exact cause of and solution to the noise may vary depending on the model of Hoka, there are several troubleshooting tips that may help resolve the problem. This article will cover the most common reasons Hokas squeak and provide helpful recommendations for silencing them.

Why Do Hokas Squeak?

Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand the root causes of Hoka squeaking. There are a few key reasons the shoes may start loudly squeaking out of the blue:

• Air bubbles trapped in the thick midsole cushioning popping with pressure as you walk
• The outsole losing traction against the midsole, allowing air and noise to escape as they rub together
• Debris like small stones getting caught in the grooves on the bottom of the shoe and scraping against the ground
• The insole or insert sliding within the shoe and rubbing against the inside materials

The exact part of the shoe causing the irritation will determine the best way to troubleshoot. But luckily, there are fixes for all the common culprits behind noisy Hokas.

Quick Fixes to Stop Squeaking

Before trying more intensive solutions, start with these simple quick fixes that may solve the problem right away:

• Remove debris – Carefully clear your shoe treads and insides of any lodged particles like pebbles or dirt that could be creating friction.
• Add powder – Sprinkle baby powder, shoe powder, or cornstarch inside your shoes and on the soles. These slippery powders can reduce friction that causes squeaking.
• Wear thick socks – Adding another layer between your feet and the shoe interior pads noise.
• Tighten laces – Make sure your Hoka shoes are properly secured to your feet to limit interior rubbing.

If none of those on-the-spot remedies makes even a small dent, it’s time to investigate more closely.

In-Depth Troubleshooting for Persistent Hoka Squeaks

When quick fixes come up short, get to the bottom of what exactly is causing the offending noise in your Hokas. Target the squeak-producing regions with specific solutions.

Repair Midsole Air Pockets

The cushy midsole is what gives Hoka shoes their one-of-a-kind plush feel. But with so much padding comes the risk of air bubbles getting trapped inside and popping as you apply pressure while moving. The sound of air pushing out from inside the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam with each step makes for loud squeaks.

To solve, apply a flexible sealant like Shoe Goo into the gaps along the sides and bottom of the midsole. Let it dry completely so it bonds strongly, filling any air spaces and preventing air and noise from escaping. This seals the midsole into a solid piece without pesky air pockets.

Re-Adhere Detached Outsoles

Over time and heavy mileage, the rubber outsole tread can start losing its grip against the foam midsole, especially in well-worn areas like the heel and ball of the foot. This allows air, moisture, and friction to make noise where the layers meet.

Stretching and flexing Hoka shoes over and over again can also weaken the adhesive between the outsole and midsole. When parts separate even slightly, squeaking is inevitable.

To make Hokas quiet again, use strong flexible glue or shoe cement to fully reattach the outsole and midsole along the edges and prevent air pockets from forming. Clamp tightly together while the adhesive dries.

Add Grippy Insole Surface

If you notice the main source of squeaking seems to be occurring inside the shoe itself, this points to the removable insole losing traction against interior shoe wall fabrics and materials. Without enough grip, the insert slides around making noise as you walk.

Create friction by adding adhesive-backed moleskin, foam tape, or grip tape with silicone nubs to the bottom of your Hoka insoles. You can also try swapping out the insoles for a replacement pair with texture underneath or made of anti-slip cork. Stick them in securely so they stay firmly in place as you move without noisy sliding.

Replace Worn Out Soles

When Hoka shoes get excessive mileage under their belts over years of wear, the cushioning and materials eventually break down beyond simple repair. No amount of glue, tape or powder will resolve intense squeaks from Hokas that have seen better days.

Though it may seem wasteful to retire shoes that still have some life, excessive squeaking signals it is time for a fresh pair. Check for signs like uneven tread wear, compressed foam, and yellowed midsoles. Thoroughly worn shoes are past the point of tuning up and destined to squeak.

Investing in new Hokas ensures many more miles of blissfully quiet walking or running and keeps your feet comfortably supported. Consider it the ultimate solution to stubborn squeaky shoes.

Home Remedies to Quiet Noisy Hokas

If new Hokas are not in the budget yet, or you want to salvage beloved ones a bit longer, homemade hacks utilizing household items can dampen noises. DIY solutions may seem odd but are surprisingly effective for muffling shoe squeaks.

Spray Fabric Softener

The lubricating properties in most brands of liquid fabric softener make it a handy tool for silencing squeaky shoes. Simply mix one part softener and two parts water in a spray bottle, shake well and mist liberally inside and outside your Hokas.

The slippery coating reduces friction that causes shoes to squeak without leaving a residue. Reapply anytime noises return.

Apply Bar Soap

Rubbing a regular bar of soap along the edge of Hokas’ soles, the interior walls and insole creates a waxy film that minimizes friction and squeaking just like fabric softener. Opt for moisturizing soaps like Dove to get the most noise reduction and lubrication.

Coat thoroughly then buff gently with a soft rag before wearing again. The soap will transfer onto feet and socks so you may want to avoid light colors.

Use Cooking Oil

Kitchen vegetable, olive, corn or canola oils are ideal DIY Hoka squeak stoppers. Apply a few drops along the midsole and anywhere two materials meet, then rub vigorously together. This is messier than spray methods but ensures oil works into cracks thoroughly with pressure to banish squeaks.

Give oil 10 minutes to soak in before wearing shoes. The oily residue lasts a while but eventually washes off in laundry.

Troubleshooting By Hoka Shoe Model

Certain Hoka models and styles seem especially prone to developing annoying squeaks at some point in their lifecycle. If you have a notorious squeaker, try these targeted solutions for your exact shoe.

Bondi 7

The fan-favorite maximal cushioning running shoe Bondi is one of the most common models of Hokas with chronic squeaking woes. The cushioning eventually compacts, causing the upper to rub against it producing loud noise.

Fix Bondi 7s by spraying compressed air into crevices between the midsole and upper around the toes and sides. Work it into openings thoroughly to reshape flattened cushioning so layers realign properly without friction.

Clifton Edge

The Edge features a unique convex podded sole allowing flex for smooth transitions. But the small cushions start squeaking with too much compression after miles of wear.

Open up the pods with a shoe horn to let air inside and pull back out the flattened foam with your hands as much as possible. Fill space with balled up fabric to support.

Gaviota 3

This stability road running shoe contains extra medial support for controlling overpronation, including a firm external heel counter. As the counter breaks down, it can start loudly rubbing against the heel.

Pad the interior heel counter edge with moleskin to create separation and friction between it and your heel. This prevents the rigid material from squeaking during transitions.

Rincon 3

The latest update of the popular neutral cushioned trainer Rincon 3 develops annoying squeaks specifically in the forefoot. This results from air and moisture getting trapped under the insole which loosens over time.

Remove the Rincon 3 insole completely and use adhesive spray to reattach it securely to the lasting board underneath. This eliminates gaps where air pockets were forming under the front half of the foot.

When to Take Hokas to a Professional

While home remedies may rescue your Hokas at least temporarily, it likely won’t address whatever underlying issue is causing the annoying sounds long term. And clumsy at-home repairs can potentially damage them further.

If quick fixes and troubleshooting efforts fail to silence persistent squeaking for more than a couple wears, it’s best to seek out a professional boot

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