DEAR ABBY: How do I stop my shoes from squeaking? I have a pair that I love, but they squeak so badly it drives me crazy. Everyone can hear my shoes when I am walking. Can you help? -- NOT THE OLD SOFT SHOE
DEAR N.T.O.S.S.: According to the book "Haley's Hints," a way to solve your problem is to pierce the soles of your squeaky shoes four or five times with a darning needle at the ball of the foot.
If that doesn't do the trick, "place the shoes in a solution of salt water at room temperature, just so the soles are covered. After soaking for 15 minutes, dry them off and place the soles in boiled linseed oil overnight. The next morning, remove the shoes, dry them well and your finicky footwear should be completely silenced!"