Do your slingbacks make crazy noise that leaves you embarrassed? Noisy slingbacks can be distracting and embarrassing at times.
The most effective way to stop slingbacks from making noise is to lubricate the insoles using petroleum jelly or waterproof spray. In the absence of this, you can use talcum powder. It helps to absorb moisture caused by sweaty feet, which causes friction when walking that produces noise.
Additionally, you must know what causes slingbacks to make noise so that you can effectively tackle them on time.
What Causes Slingbacks to Make Noise?
- Sweaty feet
- The shoe’s age
- Possible problems
- Quality of the shoe
Slingbacks’ makeup process differs from that of closed-in shoes. However, they follow the same sole construction process. Slingbacks usually have two or three soles – insole, midsole, and outside.
Not all slingbacks have the midsole. This midsole is mostly found in more expensive slingbacks as they provide additional durability and support and help the slingbacks to absorb more sweat.
Here are what causes slingbacks to make noise:
1. Sweaty feet
Having sweaty feet isn’t embarrassing – not taking good care of them is what will lead to embarrassment. One of the major reasons slingbacks make noise is, sweaty feet.
If you have sweaty feet, the feet release sweat on the slingbacks, and the sweat has nowhere to go, so it sits between your foot and the insole, and this causes friction between your foot and the insole which in turn produces noise.
If you have sweaty feet, wear socks when wearing your slingbacks. Socks help to absorb the heat and keep your insole dry. Also, go for open slingbacks during the hot seasons to help your feet breathe properly.
2. The shoe’s age
New sandals, especially, those with foam cushions tend to make noise as you walk on them. This is because air is trying to escape between the layers of the soles, caused by your weight pressing down the foam as you walk. This is worse in cheap slingbacks made of foam cushioning.
Over time, the foam will be compressed, and the shoe will stop making noise.
3. Possible problems
Possible problems is another reason why your slingbacks might make noises. This affects both old and new shoes.
These problems can be manufacturing defects or tears caused by overstretching or stepping on harmful things.
To avoid this, check your shoe carefully for any defects when purchasing it.
4. The quality of the shoe
If your slingback is made of cheaper materials, there is a high tendency for it to produce noise. Avoid cheaply coated natural fabric. Go for durable quality materials.
How To Stop Slingbacks From Making Noise
Below are some of the ways to stop slingbacks from making noise.
1. Use petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is one of the most versatile products on the globe. It serves as a lubricant for many items, including slingbacks.
If the squeaking noises are caused by friction – your feet rubbing against the sole, you can apply some jelly on the problem areas on your feet to stop that from happening.
When applying petroleum jelly, ensure you do it cautiously. Too much of it will cause your feet to be slimy, and this can frustrate movement.
2. Use talcum powder (or baby powder)
Talcum powder or baby powder helps to absorb moisture. This is an excellent remedy if you have sweaty feet. Sprinkle some of the powder on the insole of the slingbacks before wearing them and on your feet. This helps to prevent the inbuilt sweat and keep your feet dry for some moment.
This option is effective on rubber and PVC slingbacks. It can also be used on leather insoles.
3. Use a waterproofing spray
The waterproof spray is effective if your slingbacks are made of suede, leather, or canvas upper. This keeps them fresh and dry for a long time. It prevents moisture buildup on the insole, which is the major cause of the annoying squeaky noise.
Avoid overusing the spray on your slingbacks. Use the spray once a month or occasionally.
Spray the insole of the slingbacks and leave it dry for 20 minutes before wearing them.
4. Poke some holes
This sounds crazy, but the idea works. Sometimes, if the air can’t escape, it tends to produce small noises. This is most common in new slingbacks.
To solve this problem, poke holes in the insole using a pin. This will help the air to have a better escape route, and the noise will stop.
In poking the holes, focus on the heels, the areas under the toes, and the ball of your feet – this is where pressure is exerted the more.
5. Apply WD-40
WD-40 is a versatile lubricant, just like petroleum jelly. It helps to reduce friction between the feet and the insole, which might cause disturbing noises.
To apply WD-40, get some cotton wool, dip it, into the lubricant and apply it on the feet and problem areas of the sole. It is best used for slingbacks made of synthetic materials, including PVC. Never use it on suede and leather slingbacks, for it will stain the material.
How to Walk in Flip Flops without Making Noise
Flip flops, just, like slides and mules are musically inclined shoes that appear chic but can produce annoying noises most times. This noise can be embarrassing at times. But can one walk in flip-flops without making noise?
There is no practical and straightforward answer to this question. However, one of the best ways to walk in flip-flops without making noise is to wear them with socks.
In purchasing a pair of flip-flops, ensure the flip-flop is your perfect size – not too tight or loose.
Go for flip flops with good arch support. Flip Flops are designed for convenience. They are one of the best supportive shoes. And it should be so for you.
If you notice that you feel the ground as you walk, it is a sign of thin sole and can cause soreness of the feet after walking on it for a while. Also, try bending the flip-flops to check their stability before wearing them.
Below are the steps to effectively walk in flip-flops without making noise.
Step 1: Keep your feet pointed as straight as you can when walking: If you walk inwardly or outwardly, you might cause your flip-flops to be caught on the ground. This can cause foot abnormalities and other issues, such as disturbing noises.
Step 2: Keep your strides shorter and natural: Taking large steps exerts pressure on your flip flops, which produces friction that produce noise, and overtime; it can lead to lower back pains and strains. Take natural short steps as it helps you to absorb shock and keep your flip flop from getting spoilt too early.
Step 3: Your big toe and pointer toe should be pinched together as you walk: One of the ways to keep the position of the flip flops on your foot is to slightly squeeze the two toes. This is more important in flip-flops without a toe hold or thong. You don’t have to consciously and actively do this – it should come naturally.
Step 4: Slightly curl your toes to grip the flip-flop: If your flip-flops are loose, it tends to produce annoying sounds. Curling your toes help you to grip the flip-flop and keep your balance. However, avoid curling your toes, as it might cause hammer toes, which lead to foot pain or calluses. Your toes tend to naturally curl as your foot is directly under your body, and strengthened properly.
Step 5: Walk heel to toe: Walking heel to toe is the best way to walk in a flip-flop. It helps to keep your legs and lips pain-free. Also, it helps you to maintain balance.
When walking, the fleshy part of your heel should touch the ground first. Your foot should be rolled down onto the ground afterward, causing the outside of your arch to touch the ground before the ball of your foot.
How to Stop Flip-Flops From Making Noise
One of the most effective ways to stop flip-flops from making noise is to wear socks before wearing them. Other effective ways include
- Sprinkling baby powder underneath the foot if you have sweaty feet to dry it. Also, sprinkle some powder on the sole of the flip-flop to prevent fiction.
- Go for higher-quality flip-flops. The cheaper ones usually make noises.
- Use some petroleum jelly on your feet if it is sweaty. It should be in small quantities, as too much of the jelly can cause your feet to slip off the flip-flops.
Flip slops are great shoes for convenience, and it is advised to go for quality ones, as they offer better durability, comfort, and convenience.