Squeaky Orthotics

Are your custom orthotics squeaky? Is their noise interfering with your ninja / stealth abilities? Are your orthotics a noisy alarm system? Do they let all within a five-block radius know of your impending approach, even if are out of sight?

If this is you, the noise with each step is caused by micromotion of the orthotic rubbing against the midsole. Foot powders between the shoe midsole and the orthotic can marginally reduce noise. Unfortunately, they create a mess and do not help with squeaking and noise levels for long.

Two recommended solutions are:

1.  Place the custom orthotic over and on top of the factory insole. The insole material often creates a less noisy interface. The downside to this solution is it takes up extra room in the shoe. This may cause the shoe fit to be too tight for your foot and the multiple inserts at the same time. This option works best when the factory insole is just a thin piece of foam, or if the shoes fit a bit large.

2.  Our preferred solution is to wax the bottom of the orthotic shell. Crayon on a thin layer of hard wax over the bottom and sides on the orthotic shell using an unlighted candle or block of paraffin. Paraffin can be found in the canning section of your local grocery store. Candles are often found in the bottom of the junk drawer or at white elephant gift exchanges. Reapply as necessary. Periodic reapplications will be needed, but wax lasts longer than powder by several orders of magnitude. Wax also has the advantage of not taking up extra room in the shoe, unlike the custom orthotic and factory insole combo.

With either of these two easy fixes your sneak attack is back in business.