Walking with squeaky orthotics can be a daily annoyance, undermining the comfort and function they are designed to provide. An orthotic is a supportive device, often custom-made, placed inside a shoe to correct foot mechanics and relieve pain. The irritating noise results from friction between two materials rubbing together with each step. This constant movement generates a vibration heard as a high-pitched squeak, which can usually be resolved once the source of the friction is identified.
The Mechanics of the Squeak: Identifying the Friction Source
The squeak is a direct result of friction between surfaces, which typically originates from one of two primary locations. The most frequent cause involves the orthotic moving against the shoe’s liner or footbed. As pressure shifts when you walk, the orthotic’s underside or edges subtly rub against the shoe’s material, often near the heel cup or forefoot area.
Surface friction is often exacerbated by moisture, such as perspiration, which acts as a temporary adhesive between the orthotic and the shoe. The moisture causes the materials to stick momentarily and then slip, generating the characteristic noise. The second source of noise occurs within the orthotic device itself, particularly if it is constructed with multiple layers.
Internal noise happens if the orthotic’s top cover begins to separate or peel away from the rigid shell beneath it. As pressure is applied during the gait cycle, this separating material flexes and rubs against the shell, creating an internal squeak. Diagnosing which source is responsible is the first step toward a solution.
Quick Fixes and Home Remedies for Surface Noise
If the noise is external, resulting from the orthotic rubbing against the shoe, several simple remedies can reduce friction and absorb moisture. The powder method is an effective solution for surface-level squeaks. Applying cornstarch, baby powder, or talcum powder directly onto the shoe’s footbed, underneath the orthotic, works as a dry lubricant.
The fine powder particles fill the gaps between the two surfaces, preventing them from catching and sticking as you move. To apply, sprinkle powder into the shoe, massage it into the material, and then dump out any excess before reinserting the device. This method often eliminates the noise for several months by managing the moisture that promotes the squeak.
Creating a physical barrier between the orthotic and the shoe is another effective strategy for managing surface friction. You can apply thin strips of materials like moleskin or duct tape to the underside of the orthotic, especially around the edges or the heel where rubbing is most intense. The tape or moleskin alters the surface texture, providing a smoother contact point with the shoe liner. An alternative is placing a dryer sheet, cut to the shape of the footbed, directly under the orthotic, which acts as a barrier and can also help with odor control.
Structural Causes and Professional Adjustments
When home remedies fail to eliminate the noise, the issue may be structural, indicating a problem with the fit or the integrity of the orthotic itself. Improper fit is a common cause, where the orthotic is too narrow or too small for the shoe, allowing it to shift excessively with each step. This increased movement generates significant friction against the shoe’s interior, leading to a persistent squeak that powders and tapes cannot suppress.
Structural causes also include material degradation, such as a cracked hard plastic shell or the top cover permanently separating from the shell. This compromised integrity causes the device to flex and rub internally, producing a noise that is difficult to isolate. In these cases, the orthotic itself needs modification rather than just a surface treatment.
If the custom-made orthotic squeaking persists, it is advisable to consult the prescribing podiatrist or orthotist. A specialist can perform precise adjustments, such as narrowing the device or beveling the edges, to ensure a snug fit that eliminates movement within the shoe. They can also assess the device for signs of wear and tear, determining if a repair, modification, or a new prescription is necessary to restore quiet function and proper foot support.