I recently got fitted with a pair of carbon graphite orthotics and whilst they feel great, it sounds like I am torturing a mouse when I walk. My podiatrist recommended sprinkling some talcum powder in my shoes and whilst it may work for an hour or two, the squeaking comes back. I have that much talc in the bottom of my shoes, I swear I will never have to worry about smelly feet again.

Does anyone have any recommendations of what else I can try?

Don't have a lot to offer other than to say I relate! When I was using my first set of orthotics I was playing a lot of interclub snooker, and was constantly being told to stand still cause the squeaking was annoying other players!

One thing that I did do in my running shoes at the time which helped a little was "heal lock" the laces. ie take the lace through the very last (usually disused) hole on the same side as the lace finishes on, then cross over to pass through the resulting loop on the other side. (if that makes any sense) apparently this pulls your heal down and back into the shoe more firmly and did improve things a little for me. (just not in the dress shoes I played snooker in.)

Riayn try using a dry cake of soap & run it around all the edges of the orthotics that are in contact with your shoe, surfboard wax works too. You might need to reapply at some point but think you'll find it lasts quite a while.

Remove the orthotics from your shoes, and examine each one for any separation of the layers in their construction. Also look for any irregularities on the underside of each orthotic. All OK? If so, put your hand inside the shoe and gently feel around the inside of the shoe's toebox. If you feel something soft and furry, that will be your problem.

Remove your orthotics and sprinkle talcum powder liberally into the shoe. No more squeaking, I promise it works. Soon they will settle into your shoe and you won't need to do it forever.

I take out my orthodics and put powder in some of my shoes, it works, but my kids comments on the little puffs of smoke that appear around my ankles when I walk before it settles down a bit.
I tell them I am walking on clouds

Cheers

M

I have had orthotics for about 2 months without them making any noises, but yesterday they started squeaking! I will try powder and/or soap, but if that fails, I guess I will put up with the noise. Interestingly, they only squeak when I walk, so I will just have to keep running!!

Thanks for all the hints everyone!

The powder unfortunately did absolutely nothing for me except turn my black socks white.
Also I can't see any irregularities on the orthotic itself that would be responsible for the squeaking.

I ended up doing a more comprehensive Google search last night then I was able to do when I first posted. I stumbled across a site that recommended putting adhesive tape, like the kind you use to bind injured knees and ankles, on the bottom of your orthotic where it is rubbing against the shoe causing the squeak. This method worked like a charm. I am now squeak free! I thoroughly recommend anyone having squeaky orthotic issues giving it a go.