In short: Your Hoka One One shoes are squeaking because of moisture or friction within parts of the shoe, particularly between the sockliner (insole) and the footbed. Remove both of the insoles and sprinkle some baby powder or talcum powder on the footbed.
In this article, I’ll tell you why your Hoka One One shoes are squeaking so loudly. I’ll also offer some tricks you can do to stop the frustrating squeaking sound almost instantly.
Why your Hoka shoes are squeaking
When it comes to Hoka running shoes, the squeaking noise is caused by one of two things. It’s either moisture between the sockliner and the footbed or trapped air pockets in the soles.
1. Moisture between the sockliner and the footbed
Squeaky Hoka running shoes are often caused by moisture or friction within parts of the shoe. More specifically, moisture can accumulate between the sockliner (insert) and the footbed.
Every pair of running shoes are equipped with a pair of sockliners. The sockliner (also called insole) is the first layer of soft foam that your foot rests on inside the running shoe.
Basically, the sockliner is where your actual foot stands.
The sockliners in Hoka running shoes are often made of foam which not only offers cushion and makes sure both of your feet are comfortable but also wicks sweat and moisture.
Sometimes, however, we forget that our feet sweat a lot, especially when running. The sweat can easily get inside the Hoka running shoes that you’re wearing for long mileage.
Water can also get inside your Hoka shoes, simply because you’re running outdoors. You may have stepped on a puddle without realizing or it’s been raining outside.
2. Trapped air pockets in the soles
Aside from moisture, Hoka running shoes can also produce a squeaking sound due to some sort of trapped air pockets inside the soles of the shoes.
I’ve had three pairs of Hoka Challengers and one pair of Hoka Cliftons and they all produce a distinct squeaking noise whenever I walk or run in them.
I suspect this is due to the unique shape of my feet, rather than something faulty with my Hoka running shoes because most of my friends don’t have the same problem that I have.
How to stop Hoka shoes from squeaking
Regardless of where the squeaking is coming from, you can usually fix the Hoka shoes squeaking problem yourself right at home without much of a hassle. Here’s how.
1. Sprinkle baby powder underneath the sockliner
Remove the sockliners from your Hoka running shoes, sprinkle some baby powder inside of your shoes (above the footbed), and then put the sockliners back in.
The baby powder will help keep excess moisture at bay and reduce the friction between the insoles and parts of the shoes so they don’t squeak as much.
If you don’t have baby powder, you can use talcum powder or cornstarch instead. You should have one of them lying around the house that you can use for this project.
Most Hoka shoes have removable insoles, but if the insoles on your sneakers aren’t removable, sprinkle the baby powder along the seams of the insoles instead of underneath them.
2. Wipe the sockliner with blister-prevention wipes
Not everyone is a fan of wearing “powdery” running shoes. If you’re one of them, then the next best thing is to wipe the insoles with blister-prevention wipes.
Blister prevention wipes can help lubricate your insoles and create a coating that eliminates friction, so your Hoka shoes are less likely to squeak when they move around.
Remove the sockliners from your Hoka running shoes, and wipe them with these anti-chafe blister-prevention wipes. Once you’ve wiped them, put the sockliners back in.
You can also wipe the area under the insoles if your shoes are still squeaking. Remove the insoles and wipe the bottom of the inside of your Hoka shoes. Then, reinsert the insoles.
Blister prevention wipes are actually designed for your skin. They’re basically smooth, thin, invisible coating. This coating eliminates the friction that causes blisters, chafing, and irritation.
Unlike baby powder or coconut oil, blister prevention wipes don’t feel “clammy” or “slimy” and they also won’t melt like sticks and gels. It is non-toxic and can be used daily.
You only need to apply one towelette for one pair of shoes. However, you may need to reapply the blister prevention formula if your Hoka shoes start squeaking again later on.
3. Massage the insoles
If moisture isn’t the culprit of the squeaking sound, then you’ll need to massage the insoles to remove the trapped air bubbles inside your Hoka running shoes.
Before you wear your Hoka shoes, I recommend taking out the sockliners on both shoes. Make sure they lie flat on the footbed before you walk or run in them.
It might sound super simple, but “massaging the insoles” can work wonders to prevent the squeaking sound from your favorite pair of Hoka running shoes.
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