If you are a basketball player and love to play on the indoor basketball court, you must listen to a sound originating from the friction of shoes and the floor. The sound is called squeak. Now the question arises Why Do Basketball Shoes Squeak? According to some sports scientists, the indoor basketball court is very smooth and clean very regularly. With the help of wet towels, the shoes rub against the surface and generate a squeaking sound due to this very smooth and clean surface.
Herringbone structure comparatively has more squeak as compare to other herringbone structures. It is due to structural vibration and the excellent adhesion power of the herringbone. As per the expert, the squeaking noise is a sign that your shoe grip is working perfectly.
It would help if you had the comfort and extra cushioning basketball. That’s why shoes have manufactured with flexible rubber, and that flexible rubber will create squeak. Typically grove of the outsole design has soft rubber. These complex rubber parts of the outsole want to slip, and this soft rubber will resist in it and make squeak noses as basketball is a game of quick movement. That’s why there is more squeak sound around.
The other main reason for the basketball shoe squeaking is the moisture trapped inside the grooved of the outsole. When this moisture is taken grooved, rub it with the floor and make a squeak.
Squeak sound typically creates when you want to start quickly or stop suddenly. Now the question arises if you don’t like then what will be the options.
Types Of Basketball Shoes Squeak
Squeaky Shoes Meaning
The air or moisture has trapped or struck the outsole groove due to air, and moisture traction with the floor basketball shoes made a noise called squeak. Soft rubber shoes have a higher squeak sound as compared with the hard outsole rubber basketball shoes.
Shoes Squeaking Sound Effect
You can hear the actual squeaking sound effect in the below audio clip.
How To Stop Your Basketball Shoes From Squeaking?
There are three methods to stop your sports shoes from squeaking. The methods are
Have a look at the video below before going tp the detail.
Insole Squeaking
If your basketball shoe’s insole has not fixed correctly, it will be move during the game, which will be very risky for you. Chances of injury will increase.
Solution Of Insole Squeaking
There are two solutions, one is temporary, and another one is permanent. Firstly, if you want a permanent solution, then contact any shoe repairing services online or offline. They can professionally fix your insole.
2nd is the temporary method; this is also called the emergency method. In this method, you pull out the insole of your sports shoes, pour some talcum powder or corn starch inside the sole, and then put back your insole in the shoes. This powder will reduce the friction between your insole and the bottom surface of your basketball shoes.
The 2nd solution is to put a small thin towel underneath the insole.
The 3rd solution is to put the coconut oil underneath the insole.
Bottom Sole Squeaking
The sole bottom squeaking is very noisy. You cannot stop the bottom squeaking 100%, but you can reduce it.
Firstly, clean your bottom sole with a dry cloth, then use the dryer sheet and rub your outsole carefully so that your outsole must be in perfect shape. Your shoes will be less sticky after this technique. You have to do this practice during the match to avoid squeaking.
The 2nd method is a bit risky. It might affect your grip if you don’t do it with extra care. In the 2nd method, you need sandpaper so that you can rough the surface a little bit. By roughing the surface, the soft rubber will become less smooth and soft, and hence squeaking noise will be either remove or reduce a lot. The pro tip in this technique is that you should use the very fine stone paper preferable 120 number or above.
In the 3rd method, you can apply the glue in the high target area of your outsole according to your standing posture.
Outside Squeaking
The last type is outsole squeaking your basketball outsole, which is significantly less noisy. This squeaking is due to the upper leather portion. When you run or want to beat your opponent, both your feet rub with each other and make a squeaking noise.
You can try the leather surface’s conditioning oil, which rubs with each other to avoid squeaking. Conditioning oil for the shoe is also available in the market, so go for it as other oil can be harmful to your shoe leather and its life. Usually, conditioning oil will be fade away after some time. So please set its frequency with the hit and try rule.
While some may find the sound of squeaking basketball shoes annoying, there are actually several benefits to this common occurrence:
Increased Traction: When basketball shoes squeak, it typically means that the rubber outsole is making better contact with the court, which can provide increased traction and prevent slipping.
Improved Confidence: Knowing that your shoes are providing better grip and stability can boost your confidence on the court and allow you to make more aggressive moves.
Alerting Defenders: The sound of squeaking shoes can alert defenders to your movements, making it harder for them to keep up with you or anticipate your next move.
Enhanced Footwork: Squeaking shoes can also help you focus on your footwork, making it easier to pivot, change directions, and make quick stops.
Increased Energy: The sound of squeaking shoes can create a sense of energy and excitement on the court, which can motivate you to play harder and push yourself to your limits.
Best Way To Stop Basketball Shoes From Squeaking
Sprinkle Baby Powder
Use Paper Towels In The Shoe
Use Sandpaper To Rough Up Bottom
Dry Sheet Usage To Rub Bottom
Use Conditioning Oil
Final Words
New basketball always thought that Why Do Basketball Shoes Squeak?
Squeaking is not a problem, but if you want to be a professional player, then it might divert your attention with the noise it has created.
There are many methods that I have discussed in detail. If you want to adopt any one or multiple ways, then you must consult your shoe manufacturer and try that technique slowly and observe its result.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Q-1: How do I stop my basketball shoes from squeaking?
Ans: Usually, there are two types of squeaking. The first is bottom sole squeaking, and the other is outside squeaking. You can’t reduce the bottom sole squeaking 100%, but you can reduce it to some extent with a dry cloth or sheet or carefully rub it with a bit of harsh surface.
Q-2: Is it good for basketball shoes to squeak?
Ans: Normally, the indoor basketball court shoes have made with the soft outsole rubber, and the soft outsole rubber squeak with rub with the clean court surface then it creates noise. It does reflect the quality of your traction up to some extent. On the other hand, the shoes you wear for the outsole court has made with hard rubber for durable quality and usually don’t have a squeaking sound.
Q-3: Do basketball players like making their shoes squeak?
Ans: I think there is not much research on this topic but in my view basketball player didnt like the squeak because it sount may divert their attention
