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Tip Store: Clothes: Shoes and Hosiery

Repairing Flexible Items

​I use a product called Duramax Ultra Fix adhesive for shoe and shopping trolley repairs. It is non drip, waterproof, flexible and works on metal, wood glass, ceramic and fabric. Brilliant for shoes. Allow 24 hours for maximum strength. 
Contributed by Aldith Graves

​Simple Shoe Repair

I have used super glue to repair shoes before, when the sole comes off away from the top of the shoe. This has been short lived. I was recommended a product called SikaFlex which is a sealant as well as an adhesive and it works quite well, just be sure to use as directed when gluing the sole back to the top of the shoe. 
Contributed by Lori Woodward

​Keep Those Gumboots Upright

To save your gum boots from bending over, and being hard to get on, place a spaghetti tube or rolled up thick magazine inside them. 
Contributed by Faye Lording

Buy Two, for an Extra Pair

​Buy two pairs of socks, the same colour and size. When one sock from each pair wears, put the two remaining socks together to make a pair.
Contributed by Judith Bond, 26th October 2017

​Find a Cobbler Online

I found a local cobbler (shoe-maker) doing a White Pages search online. The cost to replace both heels was $10 and well worth it to me. I'll easily get two years wear at the rate I'm going.
​- Contributed by Eva, Oxley Park, 3rd March 2009

​Save Money on Shoes for Special Occasions

Approximate $ Savings: $20+ 

I was needing a pair of shoes for a formal night and could not find any that were the right height so I had an idea about using clip on ears for clipping on my saddles but I found something even better silver coloured hair clips with a crystal flower in centre just clipped on my black saddles looked great everyone thought they looked great it cost me $7.00
Contributed by Cynthia Nielsen, 22nd February 2013

​Get Your Orthotics from a Discount Chemist and Save!

I was 'forced' to buy orthotics from an orthotists but at clinic I attended. After many months of aching backs, and silly shoes to fit the oversized (single!) orthotic I gave up! Went to the Discount chemist and bought a pair of Ortho-heel sports (full price is about $44 - but discount chemist has them around the $27-$29 mark!) They also have a range of types that will suit every orthotic need, can be cut to shape any shoe (except high heels!) and offer a 30 day money back guarantee - that is the best part, though I bet you wont need it! Went back to the clinic and told them what they could do with their orthotic -(nicely of course ;) Hope this helps!
​- Contributed by KL, 14th March 2011

​Making Your Shoes Last the Distance

Approximate $ Savings: $150 a year or more

I am a runner and so am always in need of new running shoes. These can be very expensive!!! I do two things to make my running shoes last and to keep the initial outlay minimal. First I head to my local shoe store (runners shop etc) to have my shoes fitted correctly and I make a note of which shoe fits the best and the correct size. I then search online for the shoe. Online browsers such as www.myshopping.com.au compare prices right around Australia and can easily save you 50% off the normal retail price. Once I have the shoe I then try and make them last. For smelly, dirty shoes its easy to chuck them into the washing machine, however this ages them considerably. I hand wash my shoes in plain warm water (soap deteriorates the lining). When they become smelly I add a mix of bicarb soda and essential oils and sprinkle the inside of the shoe and leave overnight. This keeps them smelling and feeling fresh. I now do this to my partner's work boots too and it seems to be even helping his socks last!! To make the mix I use 2 teaspoon of bicarb soda and 5 drops of essential oil (I use eucalyptus - but any will do). I mix it into a container and then sprinkle it in and leave overnight. My sneakers now last eighteen months plus and saves me anywhere from $150 a year or more.
​ - Contributed by Marion Finlay, 9th July 2010

​Well Travelled Bed Socks

When you travel on international flights, keep the complementary socks that are given out. They make great bedtime socks, liners for slippers and gardening socks. They wash well and you can get many more uses from them.
​-Contributed by Debby, Chandler, 8th June 2009

​A Little Smear Prevents Blisters

I have different sized feet and was complaining to my mum that when I went walking in my sneakers I usually ended up with a blister on the heel of the smaller foot. I had been looking at new sneakers as I wondered if a different pair may help. Mum suggested I rub a smear of Vaseline onto the inside of the heel of the sneaker. It has worked well and now I can exercise without the blisters. She has tried it on her leather shoes that rubbed on the heel, and Dad's sandals that were rubbing across the toe area with success also. Now I don't need to worry about buying new sneakers.
​- Contributed by Jane, Pt Lincoln, 6th May 2009

​Long Boot Inserts for Storage

Approximate $ Savings: $8

Instead of using expensive Inserts to keep your boots in a nice shape in storage such as this: http://shop.hsw.com.au/?product&id_prod=1258&id_cat=4&id_dept=19 I buy a $2 foam pool noodle stick from the reject shop that is supposed to be used to float on in a pool. I cut it in half & put one in each of my boots to keep them up and in good condition in my cupboard.
- Contributed by Linda W., 21st June 2010

​ Website: shop.hsw.com.au/?product&id_prod=1258&id_cat=4&id_dept=19

​DIY Shoe Repairs

When the recession hit, one of the first things my partner said we had to cut back on was my shoe shopping - ouch! So I was given a budget on how much I could send on shoes and shoe-related items per year. Not long after that budget was put into place, I took my favourite pair of heels into the shoe-man to get replaced - he wanted to charge me $20 to fix one pair of shoes! That amount of money did not fit into my shoe budget! So I searched online to see if there was a cheaper way to fix my shoes - I found a website called www.heeltips.com.au which sold the tips I needed for a third of the price of what the shoe-man wanted to charge me! With the money I'm saving by replacing my tips DIY style, I can afford to buy a new pair of shoes, budget be damned!!
- Contributed by Kate, Sydney, 3rd March 2009

​ Website: www.heeltips.com.au

​Great Looking Sneakers

To keep sneakers looking good for longer, remove laces and inner sole if possible. Wash all parts thoroughly. If very dirty use a stain removing soap. Dry thoroughly before cleaning all leather parts with shoe cleaner. Kiwi sport white leather restorer is excellent for white shoes. Spray all cloth parts including laces and insides with Scotchguard, dry and repeat, before putting laces back in.
​- Contributed by Coral, Andergrove, 26th April 2009

​Get to Know Your Local Cobbler!

He will be able to advise you on the best action for your shoes - this will pro-long the life of many pairs of shoes, plus his advice is free! The guy I go to is upfront and will tell me if it is possible to save the shoe. Plus you are helping out a small business in your local area.
​- Contributed by Paula, Croydon Hills, 5th March 2009

​Cobblers Really do Save You Money

Take your shoes into a cobbler, it really does save money. It costs me around $5-$10 only to have the tips replaced, and often the cobbler will give your shoes a complimentary clean and polish, this will extend the life of your shoes. Alternately, talk to a shoe retailer, they receive spare tips from the manufacturers with certain shoe styles and may give them away; it's like receiving spare buttons with a new top.
​- Contributed by Sonya, Scarborough, 4th March 2009

​Shop Around to Find a Budget Friendly Cobbler

You should be able to find a shoe repair place in the local yellow pages. It pays to shop around though, the local man reheels my shoes for about $10, the man near my work charges close to $20. Stay away from shoe repair places near the city, or near highly populated professional places e.g. offices they seem to be more expensive.
​- Contributed by Annette, Ringwood, 4th March 2009

​Visit the Shoe Repair Booth at the Shopping Centre

Boot maker/Shoe repairer at your local shopping centre can put a new steel/metal capped heel on your shoe for a cost. But if they're your favourite pair and you wear them to death I have always found this to be the best way to preserve the quality of your shoes.
​- Contributed by AM Devenish, 4th March 2009

​Shoes Re-heeled in a Minit

Mr Minit will replace heel tips for about $20. I don't know if they will sell just the heel tips. They usually use a pair of pliers to pull the heel tip and stud off the shoe.
​-Contributed by Natalie, Stanhope Gardens, 4th March 2009

​Shoe Repairs Save Loved Shoes and Money

At the end of last winter I had the heels on my very expensive pre-cheapskates boots replaced along with the elastic sides in a pair of much loved sandals by a local boot repairer for only $24. I considered this very good value for money and has extended the life of my shoes for a few more seasons.
​- Contributed by Teresa, Moree, 3rd March 2009

​How To Replace Heel Tips

This website has a section on how to do the replace heel tips yourself. There are a number of sites that you can Google search, with prices ranging from around $10. You could also try and purchase the tips from cobblers if they will sell them to you.
- Contributed by Katrina, Wynnum, 3rd March 2009

​Website: www.stilteeo-heel-tips.co.uk/DIY_heel_tip_replacement.htm

​Professional Repair Cheaper Than New Shoes

I have often had the heel tips on my high heels replaced at the shoe repair shop. It costs very little for a very professional repair, maybe $5.00 - $8.00 - much cheaper than a new pair of shoes.
​- Contributed by Lois, Medowie, 3rd March 2009

​Small Adults Get Great Bargains in the Kids Department

Last week I stumbled across a great money saving idea while shopping for winter boots. I looked in all the regular shoe stores and department stores, finding many great ladies boots for $100, $200 and even $300 dollars! I had given up as this was way out of my budget. I happened to go into Target for something else and walked past the children's shoe department which seemed to have some rather adult-sized shoes for a lot less money than those in the ladies shoe department or other shoe stores. Now this will only work for those with a relatively small foot (I am a size 6), but on a whim I tried on a nice looking pair of kids boots in a size 4 which fit me perfectly and were much cheaper than anything else I had seen that day ($40 but with 20% off kid's shoes that week they were reduced to $32! I actually also used a $10 Coles Myer gift card I had leftover from Christmas to make it $22). So I now have a great pair of winter boots for a tiny price. My tip is to always check out the children's section for footwear as you may be surprised at what you can find.
​- Contributed by Rachel, Russell Lea, 22nd May 2010

​Identical Pairs Solve the Lost Sock Dilemma

Approximate $ Savings: $40.00 per year When I buy new socks for the family I always buy at least three identical pair. That way when one sock of the pair wears out before the other or 'disappears' I can keep matching socks until the last one. It saves ending up with all those 'odd socks' As a really good thick pair of socks can cost around $7.00 I don't want them wasted and we get far more wear out the socks.
​- Contributed by Lynette, Kawungan, 26th April 2010

​Keeping Socks in Pairs

I have an idea to keep socks together. Purchase some nappy pins and when the men in the house remove their socks get them to put the pin into them. You could colour code the men, green for Graham, blue for Bobby, orange for Oscar. And even more, when they come off the line just hand them (pins and all) back to the owner. No folding no where's my socks.
​- Contributed by Jan Steele, 26th April 2010

​Scrape a Slippery Sole

I have noticed in the "Just Ask" section that one of the questions was how t0 make new shoes less slippery for walking in. When I was young my mother used to rub the soles of our shoes with an old vegetable grater. It worked a treat. Hope this helps.
​- Contributed by Loretta, Broadmeadows, 21st April 2010

​Nana's Shoe Freshener

Well I can't claim this one as my own - but one that my nanna has been doing for well as long as I can remember. Nanna in the evening would go through the house and add a sprinkle of talc to every pair of shoes that had been warn during the day. The talc is a great deodoriser.
​- Contributed by Melinda, Old Reynella, 30th March 2009

​Smelly Shoes

To stop my shoes from smelling, I put them out in the sun as soon as I get home and over the weekend. This helps to kill the bacteria that causes the odour. The sun is an excellent bacteria killer and deodoriser. I have also used this technique when I worked as a Youth Worker and had adolescent male shoes that you couldn't have in the same room, putting the shoes in the sun worked very well over about a week. The best thing is that the sun is free and chemical free.
​- Contributed by Cate, Kedron, 1st April 2009

​Women's Trainers in Children's Sizes

Approximate $ Savings: $80

​ I went to get a new pair of trainers today and discovered that being a size 8 ladies I could fit into the largest size that the kids sneakers came in. I asked the sales assistance if there was any difference in the sneakers and he said they were exactly the same shoe just priced cheaper for children's sizes. The moral of this story is if you are a size 8 shoe or under always look at the kids ones first, you could save $100's.
- Contributed by Jo-anne, Subiaco, 28th January 2009

​Monotone Socks Save Odds

Missing socks? I always buy the same colour and type of socks for my children. It does not matter if you lose one as you can always match it with another pair.
​- Contributed by Carol, 12th January 2009

​Avoid the Disaster of the Disappearing Sock

Approximate $ Savings: $20-$50

I buy only one colour sock, usually navy, so there are never any missing socks in our house. As most mums know the disaster of the disappearing sock means you end up with several odd socks, all in different colours, so now with only the one colour sock for all family members I can match up the odd socks. It saves quite a bit of money as I am not continually buying new socks.
​- Contributed by Joanne, Berwick, 2nd July 2008

​Department Store Shoes Save Sore Feet

I thought I would share my husband's shoe tip. He works in an office and used to buy very expensive leather shoes but found them uncomfortable to wear in and sometimes they wore out quickly. He happened to see a pair of leather shoes on sale at Target for $8 and thought he'd try them out (they looked no different to the expensive ones he was wearing). No wearing in discomfort and they lasted 3 months before the sole lifted. Same value for less money and better comfort.
​- Contributed by Lizzy Smith, 12th June 2008

​Bottle Your Boots

Approximate $ Savings: $10+

​ A cheap and easy way to store your winter boots and keep them looking like new is to place an empty 1.25l drink bottle down inside each leg. This stops them flopping over and getting creases.
- Contributed by Liz, Yarrawonga, 1st June 2008

​Give Mouse Pads a New Sole

Approximate $ Savings: $20 My shoe insoles were getting more and more worn out, and the shoes had got to the stage where they actually quite painful to wear. I had no money for a new pair of insoles. I managed to get hold of a couple of old mouse pads, and cut one shoe insert out of each mouse pad. VERY comfortable now. Now I can walk without pain and it's a fantastic form of recycling to.
​- Contributed by Susie, Northcote, 7th March 2008

​A Matching Pair

Approximate $ Savings: $50 a year

​ Damn - there's a ladder in your pantihose. But wait, don't throw them away. If you have a matching pair with a ladder in one leg, cut off the laddered legs in both pairs. You can wear both pairs at once to form a perfectly good pair of pantihose. Also before wearing pantihose rinse them in warm soapy water to remove the starch from them - they will be les likely to ladder on the first wear if you do so.
- Contributed by Leigh, Conder, 1st February 2008

​Rough 'Em Up

A great way to prevent slippery shoes from slipping is to get some course sand paper (yes - you read right!) and sand the bottom surface to roughen it up a bit so that it has some more grip. Cheers, Jessica.
​- Contributed by Jessica, Forest Hill, 4th February 2008

​No More Smelly Feet

Approximate $ Savings: $20.00 or more

If you have a smelly shoe/foot problem get a tub of Boracic Acid ,it can be used as a foot powder and also sprinkled into smelly shoes it takes all smells away, is safe and costs only $6.00 per tub at a pharmacy. It lasts for months and can be used for all ages.
​- Contributed by Teresa, Merimbula, 7th January 2008

​Grated Sole

I used to work in the wardrobe dept of a theatre company. To prevent injury from slippery soles, we always roughed up the shiny surface with a cheese grater first. Be careful not to grate the body of the shoe where it meets the sole. You can also buy a product called 'shoe goo' which is a gel with grit in it. You paint it on and it dries with a rough surface.
​- Contributed by Justine, North Melbourne, 27th November 2007

​Crocs for Less

Approximate $ Savings: $42.00

I have found that the popular "crocs" (ladies slip on vinyl shoes)in Big W are very close to the real thing. They are made from a material that is very similar and the pattern on the inner sole is also nearly the same as the much dearer originals. With a huge saving of $42.00 per pair (Big W's are $7.95)genuine crocs are $50.00 !!! I have worn both and cannot tell the difference. Big W also sell the clogs in mens and kids sizes which means great savings on the whole family's footwear for the beach this summer.
​ - Contributed by Christine, Ballarat, 18th October 2007

​DIY Shoe Repairs

Approximate $ Savings: $50

The sole came off my size10 ½ shoe; normally I would throw away in my DINKS days (double income no kids!) but they are my favourite shoes and as I take a large size not easy to come by. They are usually more expensive (I take a size 10 ½ -11,depending on brand). I took some cheap superglue from the cupboard, applied to sole of shoe and put under the leg of a table to secure into place for 24hrs - result new shoe!
​- Contributed by Jody, Mittagong, 4th June 2007

​Stretching Shoes to Fit

Did you find the perfect pair of shoes on sale only to find that when you got home they were tight? Don't spend money on getting them stretched. Just get a bottle of methylated spirits, put your shoes ON and standing on a mat or outside (the metho will wet but not stain) completely wet your shoes letting the methylated spirits run inside them as well. You will feel them become more comfortable immediately. Wear until dry and voila'! No more sore feet. This can be used on any kind of shoes but be warned that black shoes sometimes can leave marks on your feet that take a good scrubbing to remove...otherwise no side effect except happy feet!
​- Contributed by Silvia, Port Kennedy, 16th May 2007

​A Tip for Saving on Stockings/Pantyhose

If you wear pantyhose to the office you will know how expensive they can be and how annoying it is when you find a ladder in them. But, don't throw them away. Cut the leg off and match with another pair the same. You then have two good legs for your pantyhose, and get more mileage out of your pantyhose .. and your money!!
​- Contributed by Joanne, Glen Waverley, April 15th 2005

​Same Colour Socks Save Money, Time and Energy

I have found a money saving easy idea. When buying socks for the family, buy each person socks all the same colour, that way all the pairs will last a lot longer, as one sock of the pair always disappears...no odd socks and less replacing socks.
​- Contributed by Lyn, St. Albans Park, April 30th 2005

​Cool Pantyhose

Just thought this hint might interest people that are always buying new panty hose because they ladder so easily. Before wearing new pantyhose immerse them in water, gently squeeze out then place them in a plastic bag. Freeze for 48hours then take out and rinse in warm water until they thaw. Dry in the usual way. Only do this once. They really do last and last once you do this. Try it.
​- Contributed by Joy, Phillip Island, October 25th 2006

​How to Thread a Frayed Shoe Lace

​Cut frayed end off with a sharp pair of scissors. Twist end and wrap a piece of sticky tape around the end a number of times.
​- Contributed by Melinda, Dungog, September 10the 2006

​Stocking Saver

​There's nothing more annoying than buying a brand-new pair of pantyhose and pulling a ladder in them as you put them on for the first time. To help prevent runs altogether, wash new pantyhose and allow to drip dry. Then mix 2 cups salt with 5 litres of water and immerse the pantyhose. Soak for 3 hours, rinse in cold water and drip dry.

​Ugg Boots

Now that spring is here it's time to give the old Ugg boots a well earned clean so that they're all ready and comfy for next winter. To clean Ugg boots, first spray them with a pre-wash solution. Make up a small, slightly stronger solution of wool wash (use a brand of wool wash that doesn't need rinsing). Scrub well with a stiff scrubbing brush until dirt is removed. Do not ever-wet, just dip brush into solution. Extra scrubbing may be needed if boots have grease or oil stains. Hang on line to dry. When dry, you can spray with a waterproofing product as per instructions. To clean the sheepskin linings in Ugg boots, sprinkle liberally with bicarb soda, making sure the powder reaches the very tips. Leave the powder inside for several days, then shake out well outdoors (or stick end of vacuum hose inside) and then allow to air. To store suede, leather or plastic shoes, place in plastic bags with some Epsom salts. Shoes stored in this way for a long time should show no trace of mould or mildew. Also suitable for storing clothing.
​- Contributed by Lynette, Hallett Cove, October 26, 2004

​Leather Cleaner

Toothpaste (the paste kind, not the gel type) makes a great cleaner for white leather shoes and handbags, belts etc. Just put a dab on a clean cloth (I use a face washer), rub into the leather and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Dry and polish for it to look like new.
​- Contributed by Wendy, Auckland, N.Z.

​Stretching Boots & Shoes

​If you have a pair of boots or shoes that are too tight, try this neat little trick. Place a strong plastic ziplock bag (test it first to make sure it is water tight) in the boot and fill the bag with enough water to fill the cavity. Tie the bag closed and place the whole thing in the freezer. As the water freezes it will expand and will stretch the boot at the same time.

​Make Your Own Odour Eaters

​To keep shoes and boots from developing an unpleasant odour, make your own 'odour-eaters'. Pour a few teaspoons of bicarb soda onto a small piece of cotton fabric. Tie the ends of the fabric together and secure them with a rubber band. Set one sachet in each shoe overnight. The sachets can be used again and again. Use pretty fabrics and they make a beaut gift.

​Shoes

​Before throwing away your shoes, check to see that they can't be repaired. Often they just need a stitch or a new heel or sole. Sometimes a repair can be as simple as applying glue. You can save hundred of dollars by being savvy enough to get shoes repaired.

​Scuffed Shoes

For scuffed black shoes colour affected area with a black Texta. Whiteout can work well on some white shoes. The same applies to handbags.
​- Contributed by Dulcie, Ringwood, September 19, 2004

​Keeping Toes Warm

Before throwing away an old pair of pantyhose, cut off the toes about 3 inches from the end and use them over your toes under socks on cold days. Your toes will be much warmer. The only problem is the toe covers look funny hanging on the clothesline after you wash them.
​- Contributed by Meredith Lyons, June 16th 2004

​Pantyhose Problem

If you run out of pantyhose and you have 2 pair the same colour just cut off the damaged leg of each and put on the 2 pair of pants - it is amazing how long they last.
​- Contributed by Monika, February 17th, 2003

​Darning Socks

​I mend my children s socks. But instead of paying more for darning thread, I use embroidery floss. It comes in all colours and is very cheap, often on sale at Spotlight, Lincraft etc. and readily available at the dollar shops in packs of basic colours for just $2.00. It works really well too, as it's strong, and yet soft to walk on.

​Looser Pantyhose Lasts Longer

I wear pantyhose to work 5 days a week. Last year I lost more than 20 kilos and was delighted one day to discover that I had "crossed over" from size B to size A (at least according to the chart on the back of the pack). I triumphantly bought and carried proudly home several pairs in my new size and every single blasted pair ran on the first or second wearing! The funny thing is as I lost weight and had continued buying the same larger size they lasted a lot longer. I have gone back to buying size B, (which "ran" all the time when I actually was a size B according to the charts) and can now wear my stockings run-free until they actually begin to pill up from wear!
​- Contributed by Sandra O, Melbourne

​Tube Socks

​Buy tube socks for your kids rather than the traditional type. They last longer since the heel is not always wearing in the same spot. Get in the habit of always buying the same brand, same style, all-white tube socks and you won't have to spend half your life matching socks into pairs.

​Unmatched Socks

​A hint for solving at least part of the unmatched sock problem: safety pins. When you buy socks, as they are unwrapped from the package, pin them together in pairs. The pairs then get dropped in the laundry. Thereafter, socks come out of the dryer or off the clothesline in pairs. Unpin the pair, put them on, and put the pin on the dressing table. Take socks off, pin them back together, (good luck getting the kids to do this, but it sounds great) and toss the pair in the laundry basket. No more time spent matching socks, no lost single socks. You might still be losing socks to the washing machine - but at least it's eating an entire pair at a time!

​Nail Polish Freshens Up Tired Heels

I often get the heels of my good shoes caught in places - footpath cracks, grates near buildings - which strips the leather from my heels in small chunks. I was going to take them to a shoemaker to get repaired but really, it was just the heels making them look old and tired. Instead, I went to a cheap store and looked for nail polish to match the heel. I found a black, a white and a nude beige for $2 each. These match most of my shoes, and meant that I could carefully colour in the missing parts of leather. No one gets close enough to my feet to notice the patch job and I get to keep wearing my lovely shoes without having to pay for new heel repairs constantly!
​Contributed by Lisa Bright, 8th August 2013