HOW TO STOP YOUR SHOES FROM SQUEAKING

First things count. First impressions do. So, it is your day for the interview and that you have been meticulously preparing to do. Naturally, you will take a considerable amount of time grooming. From your hair to the nice suit, you will want to make sure that you look neat. But there is nothing as aggravating as having squeaky shoes. 

Squeaky noises that come from your sneakers can be irritating and embarrassing. These noises can be caused by shoe insoles, the bottom or outer parts of the shoe. So, before you put your best foot forward, make sure to be self-conscious with every step you take. But fortunately for you, regardless of what is causing the squeaky noises, you can fix the problem right at the comfort of your home. 

Although you can use a cobbler's service, in most cases, you will be surprised to see how cheap and easy it is if you otherwise did it on your own. Before we present ways on how to stop your shoes from squeaking, let's explore the reasons why sneakers squeak.

Why do sneakers squeak?

Here, put the game of basketball into perspective. The sound of basketball sneakers when players skid on the hardwood can only be explained by four categories of people, namely;

• Mechanical engineers.
• Biologists.
• Shoe designers.
• Rubber scientists.

The rubber-soled shoes squeaking on the hardwood is the unconventional sound of basketball. Meaning, it is often heard but never considered. The squeaks are what you would call the soundtrack to the game. It thus begs the question; why do sneakers squeak?

What shoe designers say

The primary reason why sneakers squeak is friction. But shoe scientists suggest that it is due to the basic geometry of traction. Think about it. We have all dealt with squeaky shoes before, right? The sound itself is energy, only that it is invisible. It can be heard because all vibrating objects eject sound waves. 

As you make your step in your sneakers, you induce a vibrating in the shoes. The sound waves make their way through the solid ground or hardwood. As such, the vibrating particles start moving back and forth to produce a squeaking sound. 

However, a squeaky sneaker or pair of leather shoes could break off as soon as you have caught up with your taxi. Usually, it is less threatening than it sounds. Suppose the sneakers you have are new from the store. Then it is likely that the cause is a manufacturing defect. Therefore, depending on the terms of purchase, you may have to return the shoes. If it turns out that you are eligible to return the sneakers, then if you try to fix the squeaking noises by yourself, you will void your warranty. 

Another cause of squeaking sneakers is just a loose heel or an unglued shoe bottom. You could get a tube of silicone caulk in such a scenario and try fixing it by yourself. 

HOW TO FIX SQUEAKY INSOLES

Sprinkle baby powder underneath the insoles in your shoes

Usually, moisture gets trapped where shoes rub against each other. The result is an annoying and irritating squeaky shoe. Follow these directions to troubleshoot this problem.

First and foremost, isolate the exact position where the squeaky noise is coming from. To do that, walk slowly, rock back and forth while at the same time raising your heels to feel it. Once you have identified the location of the squeak, pull your insole out and sprinkle some baby powder on the inside of your shoe. Note that it doesn't have to be a specific powder. You could apply talcum powder, cornstarch, or baking powder too. 

After that, put back the insoles in the shoe. What the does is it minimizes the friction between your shoes and the insole so that they don't make those squeaky noises. On the flip side, if your shoes have unremovable insoles, sprinkle the baby powder along the insoles' seams. It doesn't have to be necessarily underneath the insoles. The edge of your shoe base works just fine. Remember that baby powder's primary function is to absorb the moisture trapped inside your shoes.

Furthermore, if the base of the shoe is producing squeaky noises, sprinkle some baby powder at the seam too. There are probably air bubbles that are causing the noises. Another remedy for that could be leather conditioner. To do that, rub the leather conditioner into your shoes and then buff it off with a dry piece of cloth. 

Additionally, if the squeaky shoes aren't made of leather material, then the suede could work for you. Suede shoes have a special conditioner that is different from the leather ones. 

If that doesn't work, try doing the following:

• If the shoe's tongue is the cause of the squeaky noises, try powdering the shoelaces and underneath the edge of the laces.
• Suppose you notice that the shoe base is still squeaking; after all, rub some baby powder in the area where the shoe base is attached to the rest of the shoe. That is usually caused by air bubbles that are trapped inside the shoe.

Throw that shoe in the dryer

Trapped water can make getting rid of squeaky noises a nightmare. You will want to dry them out once and for all by putting them in the dryer. To do that, smear a little fabric softener on a washcloth and put it alongside the shoes into the dryer. Make sure you are time -conscious too. The duration is usually ten minutes or less. If that is surpassed, you may risk getting your shoes shrunken or completely damaged.

Try putting paper towels underneath the insoles.

Paper towels can help stop your shoes from squeaking. To do that, fold two paper towels to the smallest size possible until they can fit inside the shoes. Once they are small enough, it becomes easier to slip them underneath the insoles. As such, the paper towels will minimize the movement between the insole and your shoes' base. That prevents the squeaking noises that come when you take steps while moving around.

If you can't make use of paper towels, here are other alternatives:

• Try using the dryer sheets or napkins instead.
• Make sure to occasionally change out the paper towels after you use them for some time.e This should be a precautionary measure to ensure your shoe doesn't smell.

Rub your shoes with a dryer sheet

Having you just acquired new insoles that are giving you squeaky shoes? Here is what you have to do. Pick up a dryer sheet from your laundry and slip it under your insole. What a dryer sheet does is it will create a buffer zone between the insole and the base of your shoes. As such, the noise would be significantly minimized. 

Rub with petroleum jelly

Sometimes due to friction and the general geometry of traction, your insole can start to make noises as it gets in contact with the shoe base. To fix these squeaky noises, rub a layer of jelly on the underneath of your insole. That will serve to reduce the friction between the two surfaces. As such, the parts would rub against each other more smoothly, and therefore reducing the noises.

Try making your shoe slip-proof

Whereas this technique might be detrimental to the lifespan of your sneakers, it could go a long way in sparing your embarrassment. Sometimes it is worth it. If your shoes sound and look like an episode of SpongeBob where Mr. Crabs gives awards to him a pair of boots as a gift, what follows next is crazy. So, the squeaky noises can make you feel like a walking cartoon. To help with traction, scrap the base of your shoe with sandpaper or any rugged piece. The added texture would add more grip between the insole and the shoe base.

Take a visit to the cobbler.

If you have a sentimental attachment to your shoes – not that weird –, but you will feel bad throwing them away. They might be old but pretty much still in shape. As such, you don't have to throw them away. Sometimes what it takes is to visit the cobbler to have the insole replaced. You might be surprised that this simple fix could kill the squeaky noises once and for all. 

It might not work for everyone, though. But f you are one of those who spend a fortune on acquiring a pair of shoes, this trick would save you some money. However, it depends because not all cobblers come for cheap. But it is worth having your shoe repaired and rendered squeak-free.

Perhaps you will agree that it is quite a steep hassle looking for the store's exact pair. It could be a year or two since you have been there, and therefore, finding similar quality and style isn't guaranteed. 

Maintain dry feet

We know that objects assume a more oversized shape and volume when heated and then contract on cooling from the fundamental law of expansion and contraction in physics. So, I guess you will be asking, will sneakers stretch too? Yes, they definitely will. As always the case, when you acquire a sneaker right from the store, it always intact. But as you keep putting them on during your evening run, the elasticity is tested. 

Your sneakers may be in perfect condition while you have them on all day. That is at least how sneakers are designed. But moments after taking your lunch, you realize the squeaky noises from your shoes.

The best guess is that your feet are sweaty, and moisture has accumulated inside the shoe. Additionally, your sneaker, as a result of the afternoon scorch, has just expanded a little. It might not be readily noticeable, but the expansion, coupled with your sweaty feet, makes your feet dance inside the shoe. 

The resulting moisture would build up air pockets on your feet, which is the reason you will hear the squeak every time you move around. It could also be that you accidentally spilled some drinks that trickled into your socks and inside your shoe while you were at lunch. That is perhaps why you would hear the squeaking in the afternoons more than you will in the morning. 

What that means is that you have to remove your insoles, dry them before wearing them again. If the squeaky shoe is caused by your sweaty feet, then it might be the time to buy socks that readily absorb moisture. Besides, not every day would be sunny. Therefore, remember to carry an extra pair of shoes and socks when it rains.

How about wearing shoes without socks?

One other reason your shoe is squeaking is that you have no socks on. If you stick bare feet in your shoe, they easily produce moisture as the skin rubs against the insole or the suede material. The moisture causes the sliding effect that makes your shoe squeak. That is down to personal preference; if you want to go without socks, sprinkle some cornstarch in your shoe before you stick in your foot. Besides, you can rock on thin, short socks that are no-shows. Meaning these socks can only cover up to your ankles.

Apply coconut oil under the insoles if your shoes are still squeaking

Do you have squeaky shoes because of your insole? Here is the trick. Remove your insoles and try rubbing coconut oil underneath them and the base of your shoes. After that, insert the insoles back in. the coconut oil will serve to lubricate your shoes so that as you walk around, they are less likely to make those squeaky noises.

Remember the following, though;

• The application of coconut oil is not a permanent solution. Therefore, be sure to apply that again at a later time when the shoe starts squeaking once more.
• You wouldn't need a lot, but just a thin layer of coconut oil rubbed under your insoles. That will do the trick, and the squeaking would be put on hold for some time. 

Ensure your inserts are the right fit

Some people are required to use inserts in their shoes. That comes as a medical requirement, though. Whereas most inserts are orthotic customized, some come as generic. Regardless, they all have to fit correctly inside your shoes; otherwise, they may cause your shoes to be squeaky.

If you have to get your generic inserts from the nearest store, you may have to cut them according to your shoes' size. That is the only way to ensure the inserts don't move around inside the shoe and result in squeaky noises. On the other side, if you are opting for custom made inserts, then remember to carry your shoes with you to make sure the right inserts' measurements are taken. 

Other inserts are custom made to absorb odor or to enhance feet comfort for the day-long bystanders. Regardless, whatever your scenario is, just make sure your inserts are good fits. 

STOPPING SHOE BOTTOMS FROM SQUEAKING

Make your soles soft

We have all been there, haven't we? New shoes tend to be noisy when you rock them for the first time. If the squeaky noises result from the sole being hard on the hardwood, here is a suggestion: You can remedy this by using sandpaper to soften the sole. To do that, take sandpaper and rub the sole gently down the bottom. Once the sole is soft enough, the squeaking will disappear.

Rub the bottoms of your shoes with a dryer sheet

More often than not, your shoes will almost certainly squeak if you walk on smooth surfaces such as tiles or hardwood. The reason for this could be that the shoe bottom sole is too slick. To stop the squeaking, rub the bottoms several times using a dryer sheet. The result is that the shoe would be less slick, and as such, it wouldn't squeak as much.

• That isn't a permanent solution, though. That being the case, you might have to rub your shoe bottoms every time you wear it.
• Alternatively, you could wait until the squeaky noises start before you can pass the dryer sheet a few times.

Try to fix loose heels.

Whether your shoes are old or new, the squeaky noises could be because of a problem with the heels. A loose heel could mean that your sole is desperately attached and is probably coming out. As such, it can cause an irritating amount of noise with every step you make.

If that is the case, take a good look at your shoes to make sure the sole is in its place, adequately attached. If the sole isn't secure, try to glue the loose ends together. If you feel you aren't able to fix it properly, of course, you can take it to a cobbler to have it fixed professionally.

In other instances, your shoes can keep squeaking no matter what you have done or not done. Sometimes the problem could be the defects from the manufacturer's side. So, always check for defects just to make sure you are on a wild goose chase. 

If there is a defect, then there was a problem during the production process. That could be a probable reason for the squeakiness. You can return the shoes to the store to have it exchanged for another pair. Or still, you can ask the production line to have it fixed for you. 

Sometimes you get value for what you pay. So, if you acquired your sneakers for cheap, then that means the quality is substantially compromised. Some shoe resale outlets such as StockX offer original but deadstock authentic shoes at a relatively lower price. I have heard clients ask questions like, are sneakers on StockX new? Or, will I get value for my money?

Well, StockX defines their deadstock as authentic new shoes that have never been worn. Like other online retail resale shops, sneakers on StockX come complete with the shoebox and its lid that indicate the shoe size on top of it. Generally, these shoes come packaged as you would accept to buy them at a regular retail outlet. However, deadstock sneakers may lack accessories like shoelaces. 

What StockX does is inspects grade B sneakers from factories before they can offer for resale. Some shoe pairs still pass inspection, even though they may not have all the accessories originally packaged with the initial purchase shoes. StockX does allow the original shoe box and lib to be slightly torn or damaged. The extent of tear or rips is what determines what they can or cannot accept.

The point here is that regardless of where you purchase your pair of sneakers, there is no immunity to defects. Some sneakers are resold as factory second hands. As such, you would expect them to have either been tried on or have some slight production flaws that slipped under the radar. 

As for StockX, they do give a word of caution to clients. When they resale older pairs of shoes, they indicate that these pairs should be worn at the consumer's own risk. Shoes that are four years old may naturally have a minor structural weakness, which is pretty standard. Sneakers worn for that long do age, and this is perhaps why you might be hearing those squeaky noises every time you have them on.

Remove and reattach the sole.

If your sole is detached, there is nothing as annoying and embarrassing as the squeaky noises your shoe will produce. It could be just a section of it, but the sound can't get more bizarre. Most likely, a detached sole would clap at your every step. Well, we all know people crave applause, but I'm guessing this is the wrong kind of applause.

You don't have to worry, though. That can be fixed at the comfort of your home. All you will need to assemble is the superglue and any clamping material you can get to apply pressure on the drying glue. Fill the gap with glue and then clamp the shoe. 

Rock on your new shoes

Usually, the newest pair to your wardrobe is squeaky. New shoes aren't isolated either. A new pair of shoes will be squeaky until you wear them severally to break the rubber rigidity used to make it. The good news is that after you wear them a few times, then noises wouldn't be there anymore; however, if they don't, try to figure out how to minimize the bottoms' slickness. You can shuffle them over a rough surface to make them less smooth. That is common for new sneakers with rubber soles. To do away with the squeakiness, shuffle them on concrete or asphalt surface. 

Try fixing the water damage.

Instead of going through the left and right hassles of taking your shoe to the cobbler, try fixing it yourself. The problem might not even be significant. You just probably came from the rain the other day. To fix the water that's trapped within the sole, try drying it using a hairdryer or a radiator. If you accidentally spill a liquid on your sneakers, then that's what is recommended too. 

Toss out squeaky shoes

I would hate to say this, but sometimes it would appear that the best solution to squeaky shoes is merely getting rid of them. Let it go. Although some sneakers could be in shape to be easily repaired, others are irreparable. That also goes for that old pair of shoes you bought three summers ago.

Remember that as shoes age, the sole material weakness, more so if you have been wearing them regularly for years on end. That you get with that is cracks will form in the sole, which destroys its structure. That is a potential cause of the squeakiness. So, if you can afford another pair of shoes, just pass the old pair along and move on. It would feel pretty seamless, especially if you toss squeaky shoes the way you abandon your tight-fitting pair. 

Try roughing up the bottoms of your shoes with sandpaper.

That applies if the shoe sole is too slick. If that is the case, gently rub the bottoms with a piece of sandpaper until their texture feels slightly rough. Sandpaper can increase the roughness of slick soles. Assuming that is the cause of the squeaky sounds your shoe is making, making them less smooth with sandpaper will solve that problem. Or are you wondering where in the world you can get your hands on sandpaper? Here are tips for you:

• Sandpaper can be obtained from an online outlet or locally at your hardware store.
• Use fine sandpaper, usually with a grit range of 120 to 220. That is so that you don't scrape up your shoes and destroy your soul in the name of how to stop your shoes from squeaking.

Use super glue to reattach the bottoms of your shoes if they're loose.

Try to check if there is a gap between your sole and the base of your shoes. If that is the case, fill in the gap using super glue and then make sure it dries sufficiently by clamping it down. Taking care of the loose bottoms will stop the squeakiness in your shoes. Tips for you:

• After applying the superglue, you should leave it to dry for at least 24 hours before you can wear your shoes once more.
• We understand clamps aren't a household thing. Or are they? Therefore, if you can't get your hands on clamps, put something heavy to apply some weight on your shoes. You can also tie up the section by wrapping rubber bands around those parts to hold them together.

FIXING SQUEAKING ON THE OUTSIDE OF SHOES

Apply a conditioning oil to your shoes if the outsides are squeaking

First and foremost, if your sneaker is of leather material, then start with leather cleaners. Cleaners get rid of dust and grease from your shoe. For those who polish their shoes, polish layers accumulate over time, which prevents the leather material from sufficient aeration. Eventually, the leather would dry up, and crack would start forming outside the shoe. 

Sometimes, shoes do squeak because the outer material is rubbing against each other. As such, if you fall victim to squeaky shoes as a result of extraneous material rubbing off each other, use a conditioning oil. That ensures that the outer material is sufficiently lubricated and less likely to squeak. 

In leather shoes, the best conditioning oils contain surfactants that work by attracting grease and dust from the surface of the shoe. While using conditioning oil to prevent squeaking, you can have the following in mind:

• Remember to use conditioning solutions with a neutral PH. That also goes for cleaners. The solutions you can use shouldn't contain alcohol and other abrasives that can cause discoloration in leather. 
• Before applying the conditioning oil, you can use saddle soap to remove dust and grease from the leather exterior. That is because the ordinary soap has a drying effect. Saddle soap, on the contrary, is designed to soften the leather.
•  Make sure you apply a conditioning oil that is designed for your shoe material. For instance, if your shoe is meant for suede, use a suede conditioning oil. Similarly, if your shoe is manufactured out of leather, it's only prudent to use a leather conditioning oil. 
• That is not entirely a permanent solution, though. Therefore, bear in mind that the conditioning oil does fade away with time. Just remember to reapply it once you notice the squeaky noises coming out from your shoes again. 
• If you are wondering where to purchase suede or conditioning oil, here is the tip: You can obtain that online or locally from the shoe store.

Use leather protectants

Leather protectants act as sealants that coat the top layer of the outer shoe material. As such, it protects the shoes from water and snow. Furthermore, they prevent the natural oils and moisture from escaping the leather material by virtue of exposure to harsh environmental factors such as sunlight. Contrary to conventional thoughts, it is not essential to polish leather. That is because leather is designed to last long and withstand all these factors. Shoe polishing is down to aesthetics and personal preference.

The other outer part of the shoe that can cause squeaking is the shoelaces. If you hear noises from your laces, then it might be time that you applied grease or saddle soap.

Polish your shoes

The source of the squeaky sounds from your shoes isn't necessarily from the insole or the sole. Other times, it could be from the outer shoe material or the tongue. The shoe industry is broad. As such, you will find other types of leather being notorious for squeaking. To solve this problem, make sure to give your shoes an excellent polish or leather conditioner buffer. If the squeaky shoes aren't made of leather, check with the manufacturer's manual on how to take care of them. 

That goes for shoes made from suede material. Every material has its care products. That means you would have to go for products that are specifically made for use on suede.

Put saddle soap on the tongues if the squeaking is coming from the laces.

Unlike ordinary soap, saddle soap is a conditioning cream that is specifically designed to lubricate shoes. Shoelaces are a common cause of squeaky shoes. If your shoes are squeaky and because the tongues on your shoes are rubbing against the laces, then saddle soap can be essential. It moisturizes the area to calm to noise.

Saddle soap, for a long time, though, has been controversial among leather shoe owners. Some are skeptical about its functionality. It is claimed that it eventually makes fine leather to dry out. On the flip side, others say it is harmless. Regardless, if you want to go ahead with saddle soap, apply it in small quantities to the problem areas and buff it using a piece of dry cloth. Nevertheless, remember that:

• You cannot use saddle soap on shoes made from suede.
• Saddle soap isn't a permanent solution to your squeaky shoe problem. As such, you may be required to apply it when the first application wears off.
• The other alternative to saddle soap is applying a conditioning oil.
• To get your hands on saddle soap, you can order online or visit your local shoe store.

Use the WD-40 lubricant.

This lubricant is trusted in the removal of rust, dust, and grease from shoes. You never know, but the reason you have squeaky shoes is the grease layers that have built up for some time, and they have just dried up. The WD-40 can protect your footwear from other elements such as sticky gum and water. As such, it can be applied to make your shoes waterproof. 

You don't have to cash out on expensive water-resistant footwear. If you are looking for waterproof trainers that can protect your feet from the rain, WD-40 is the ultimate solution. It creates an extra barrier on the surface so that water doesn't penetrate the outer shoe material. 

How to waterproof shoes with WD-40

• Thoroughly clean your shoes and leave them to dry.
• Spray the WD-40 lubricant on the outer seams of your squeaky shoes. Use a precise applicator to make sure you are accurate and your cover the shoe completely.
• Leave it to dry. 

Try drying your shoes if moisture is causing the squeaking.

Your shoes can squeak if moisture gets trapped inside. The way to solve that is by drying your shoes up. There are a couple of ways you can do that, namely:

• Toss your shoes into the dryer. Just make sure you time them so that you don't end up with damaged shoes.
• Hang them to dry in a warm location. You can use heat from the sun, a laundry room, or someplace near a fireplace can be perfect sports.
• Wrap the shoes up with a newspaper. The newspaper would absorb moisture from your shoes. In that case, one night is enough to dry up your shoes.

THE ECONOMICS OF THE SNEAKER FACTORY

Once again, former Nike veteran Steve Bence revealed what it takes for a sneaker company to manufacture a $100 pair shoe. We found out that it takes about $29 to manufacture a pair of shoes. In this section, we shall answer the question of where are sneakers manufactured and how much do sneakers cost to make?

Similar to the clothing company, most shoe manufacturing sites are located abroad. The strategy for locating these companies out of developed countries was to seek cheap labor. From China, Indonesia to Vietnam, labor, rent, energy, and shipment costs are relatively cheap.

The main factor influencing big shoe companies to move abroad was that the labor laws and minimum wage regulations are absent in these countries. That was a shot at maximizing profits for these companies. Besides, background checks show that most workers in developing countries are living in poverty. As such, they are vulnerable to forced labor in order to fend for their families. They work for long hours and under poor working conditions. Overall, the idea is to minimize production costs and maximize retail prize. 

Where are sneakers designed?

Sneakers date back to the 18th century. People wore shoes with rubber soles that were referred to as plimsolls. However, during that time, the design was so crude that the sneaker had neither left nor right foot. It was just a block. For instance, in the United States, the Rubber Company first designed sneakers in 1892 that had canvas tops. These sneakers were referred to as Keds.

By the end of 1917, the sneakers began mass production, having hit the ground running as far as popularity was concerned. During this time, they got the name sneakers because they were so quiet, and anyone wearing them could use stealth on someone unnoticed. 

During that year, a shoe was designed specifically for the game of basketball. This shoe was given the name Converse-All-Stars. Six years later, this basketball sneaker was endorsed by an Indiana star called Chuck Taylor. Since then, the shoe changed its name and became the Chuck Taylor All-Stars. They are the best-selling basketball sneakers of all time.

In 1924, Adidas became the most popular sports shoe in the world. That was the backdrop soon after sneakers had gone global. Adidas was designed by a German entrepreneur called Adi Dassler. In 1936, Adi's brother, Rudi, designed another famous shoe and started the Puma company.

Generally, sports shoes were worn by sportsmen and women during the first half of the 20th century. It was until the 1950s that people started wearing sneakers as fashion statements. 

The sneaker industry at present

The real boom in the sales of sneakers got off the mark in the year 1984. After Michael Jordan partnered with a Nike shoe brand called Air Jordans – which became the most popular sneaker ever produced, it was so famous that long after Michael had retired, the shoe kept its best-seller status. 

Ever since more shoe companies have stepped up to the arena, from Nike, Adidas to Reebok, these companies have changed the way we look at sneakers. They have scrapped laces and made amazing shoes with different blends of colors. Besides basketball, sneakers have been produced to suit different sports demands such as skateboarding and marathon running. 

With the advancement of sneaker technology, more efficient designs keep coming to the fore. For instance, the Air Force from Nike introduced air pockets to enhance interior cushioning. Additionally, Reebok shoes had air pumped in to make them fit more snugly.

How much do sneakers cost to make?

The first step in the manufacture of sneakers is coming with a design. Once the shoe design has been approved and is ready, the manufacturing company takes up the specification sheet and outlines every shoe part's cost. That is what is referred to as the costing sheet. 

The costing sheet includes every shoe part listed in detail. Alongside each one are the cost per unit and the function of every part. Some of the items in the costing sheet include the silica gel pack, hang tags, and packing box, among others. The total price tag on the costing sheet has what is referred to as the waste percentage. 

That is the amount of material left over once the parts are cut. After the waste percentage is listed, the exact total cost is presented.  

The cost breakdown   

Let's take the case of a $70 shoe. It takes about $15 to manufacture a shoe worth $70 from an overseas factory. The process is such that once the brand buys the shoe from the factory, it has to cover the cost of shipment. Most shoes that come to the united states are shipped by ocean freight. The cost of ocean freight from China to the United States, for instance, is estimated to be about $0.50. To narrow down on the real costs, it will take a retailer approximately $2500 to ship 5000 pairs of sneakers from mainland China to the United States in a 40-foot freight container. 

On arrival in the US, the customs must check to prove legal importation. Subsequently, if the sneakers are made from leather, the government imposes an import duty of 8.5% of the Free On Board (FOB) price. That percentage means an additional $1.32 to the overall cost of the shoe. On top of that, there is an additional cost of $0.32 that takes care of customs insurance for every single pair of shoes. 

The exact cost of one pair of shoes trickles down to approximately $17.10. 

How shoe stores make a profit

In the United States, the wholesale price of a $17.10 shoe is at $35. If you put that into perspective, the store profits are 100% of the actual amount it takes to manufacture a pair of shoes in an overseas factory. 

But the net profit would be slightly lower because the shoe brand has to pay its bills. First and foremost, it has to pay the designers of the shoes, its developers, product managers, advertisers, marketing managers, among others. 

The bottom line

When you hear something squeak, the immediate instinct is that something is not right. Whereas the noise can be irritating, ask basketball players and fans alike. It is part of the game. Besides, the squeaking noises can alert you to that flat tyre. Otherwise, you might drive your car, oblivious of bad brakes or flat tyres. The primary cause of squeaking from shoes is friction and irregular geometry of traction. 

It's unimaginable to see someone at the office putting up with squeaking shoes. Whereas you might initially try to ignore it, believe it or not, it only gets worse. It simply doesn't go away. Once desperation sets in, you will find a way to fix that. In that case, this article has you covered comprehensive ways to handle any squeak related problems. 

Depending on the shoe that is producing the squeak, we have outlined all the ways to remedy any problem. You can fix squeaking on the outside of your shoes; you can stop shoe bottoms from squeaking and prevent the insoles from squeaking. A squeaky shoe could just break off as soon as you catch your taxi or when you run for shelter from the rains. Regardless, squeaky noises from the shoes aren't helpful and aren't harmful either. But what people prefer is the looks of their shoes to be noticed and not the squeakiness.