Squeaky Boots

Q. My Berghaus walking boots have been squeaking for a while and it is embarrassing and frustrating.

Does anyone have any ideas about how to prevent the noise?

The boots are good and I don't want or need to ditch them just yet.

Alison Ellen, London

A. I bought a pair of meindl himalaya boots as I easily get sore feet. They started to squeak and creak badly when going downhill or on the flat. I thought the squeak came as I moved my feet forward. I stopped walking 3 times near Keswick to change how the boots were laced. Finally, where the 3rd eyelet up from the toe is I crossed the laces as if I was going to start tying a bow, but folded the laces 3 times tightly. Then continued lacing the boots as normal but at the top, before tying the bow, I again folded the laces 3 times instead of the normal 2. It worked! No more squeaks.

Alun Price, Borough

A. I have had two pairs of boots that have done this, first were a fairly cheap pair of Regatta, started in one boot then in the other until they just got too damn infuriating and I chucked them. Deciding to pay more I went for a pair of Merrell Moab mids, which were fine for the first three months then the left boot started with a squeak with each step, they are currently being sent back to Merrell for 'investigation', so I have to be without my them for up to three weeks. I have to say when I attempted to contact Merrel I have had zero response it is the retailer who is dealing with my complaint. I'm hoping for a refund as I have read online this can be a common fault with Merrell and I'd like to go with Berghaus.

Neil Todd, Delamere, Cheshire

A. If your boots are full grain leather try waxing the inside of the tongue and the liner where the tongue touches.

Sometimes where two pieces of leather are rubbing it causes a squeak.

If it's not that it could be that your mid sole has worked itself loose a bit. If it has this you will need to get your boots resoled.

Hope this helped.

Richard Lowther, Kendal

A. Hello! I had the same problem with a pair of boots.

Unfortunately, it was that the sole had 'broken' irretrievably, first on one boot then on both, and when I went to check this out at a good outdoors /boots shop, they told me this can be common with some makes - apparently using cheaper soles and lasts for some models of their boots, (even if the boots themselves were expensive!).

I had to get new boots . . . this time recommended Meindel, and no problem!!

Hope this may be of some help!

Anonymous(!)

A. Yep my squeaky Berghaus boots drive my wife mad, but fortunately I'm blessed by being partly deaf at just about the right frequency!!!

Doug Meldrum, Newark

Add your answer to THIS question | Ask a NEW walking and hiking question

Return to the main list of Walking and Hiking Questions

Search for an existing Walking and Hiking Question or Answer