There is nothing worse than the sound of shoes slapping on set. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to reduce noise and keep disruption to a minimum. From shoe booties to foot foam, discover exactly what you need to do to keep shoes quiet on set, with options to suit a variety of shoes and budgets.

Why Do Shoes Make Noise on Set?

Are you being driven to distraction by squeaky shoes? Or maybe they are making a clicking sound that is being picked up by the microphone? Before grabbing duct tape and wrapping it around everybody’s shoes to cancel out noise, it’s important to know why shoes make those irritating sounds that can ruin the atmosphere on set.

As well as the usual noise emitted by shoes hitting the floor as you walk, there are several other reasons shoes are interfering with your filming and making your job as a wardrobe professional a bit harder.

1. The sole unit

The type of sole on a shoe will determine how much noise it makes. For example, pumps and other shoes that feature heels will make a clicking sound when they make contact with hard flooring.

Shoes with wooden soles can also be problematic as these are often hollow or laminated, which can amplify sounds.

2. The age and condition

Older shoes are more likely to be disruptive to your set as the more wear and tear they have been subjected to, the more noise they will make. Even new shoes that have been poorly made can make a lot of unnecessary noise.

3. The way they fit

The noisiest type of shoe is one that does not fit the wearer properly. If a shoe is too big, it will make a clapping sound as it continually slips on and off a foot. On the other hand, if a shoe is too small, the wearer is likely to walk badly and possibly even scrape the shoe along the floor.

How to Stop Shoes from Making Noise on Set

• Quiet on the set: Hush Heels

If you have not yet come across Hush Heels, you’re in for a real treat. Hugely popular on Hollywood movie sets, Hush Heels come pre-packaged and pre-cut for ease of use and can be used on nearly all foot sizes.

With options for both men and women, Hush Heels offer a highly effective and affordable way to keep shoes quiet on set. Super-simple to apply, all you need to do is peel off the backing on the pre-cut foam shapes and then apply directly to the soles of the shoes. Plus, if the size is slightly out, you can easily trim the foam to achieve the perfect fit.

Here at Wardrobe Supply Company, we have lots of great deals on Hush Heels so that you can enjoy a noise-free set for less.

• Quiet on the set: Foot Foam

Foot Foam is similar in many ways to Hush Heels in that it comes with a sticky backing that you can attach to the soles of the shoes – easy.

However, you can purchase Foot Foam by the yard, and you then have to cut it to fit each shoe yourself. While this can be advantageous if you have many different shoe sizes that you need to cover, it is more time-consuming than using pre-cut ones.

Foot Foam is highly effective at canceling out any noise caused by shoes on set, and it is also very cost-effective.

Other Top Tips for Keeping Shoes Quiet on Set

• Condition the leather

If someone is wearing leather shoes on set, make sure you regularly condition the leather, as this can help prevent this material from rubbing on itself. You can purchase leather conditioners or use a good-quality wax-based one.

• Fix the insoles

Squeaky insoles are a common problem on set, typically caused by air being pushed down from the feet and movement from a loose insole. Still, this issue can be easily fixed with some glue or by sprinkling talcum powder under the insole and along the seams.

• Apply rubber grip pads

Rubber grip pads are designed to give better traction on hard surfaces but are also great for dampening any noise caused by hard shoe soles. For best results, rough the bottom of the pads with sandpaper so that no one slips on any hard surfaces on set.

Need Help Keeping Shoes Silent on Set?

Here at Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, we have a wide range of buffering products specifically designed to keep shoes quiet on set. Whether you are a frustrated sound mixer or a wardrobe professional, we promise to make your job easier with our Hush Heels and other highly effective shoe silencers.

Want to ask a question about keeping shoes quiet on set? Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready and waiting to take your call or answer your email. Whatever you need, we are willing to help!