Climbing shoes are like relationships: they start out tight, they stretch a little over time, and if you treat them right, they’ll stick with you through the cruxes. But one day you look down mid-route and realise the love of your life has a gaping hole in the toe box.
Sure, you could buy a new pair… but then you’d have to go through that awkward break-in period where your feet cry and your bank account sulks. No thanks. That’s where resoling comes in — the climbing world’s equivalent of couples therapy.
It’s usually cheaper, better for the planet, and gives you the warm smugness of “sustainable choices” without having to start composting.
Here’s where to send your precious rubber-worn darlings across the country.
Queensland
Scotty Dog Resoles – Stanhope QLD – 0458 742 006
P.O Box 70 Stanthorpe, QLD 4380
Website scottydog.com.au
Email: scott@scottydog.com.au
Rubber Styx – Brisbane – @rubberstyx
Website: rubberstyx.com.au
Left: Before resole by King Parrot Resoles Right: After Resole by King Parrot Resoles
New South Wales
King Parrot Resoles – Katoomba – @kingparrotresoles
Email: kingparrotrs@gmail.com
Big John’s Retreads — Blackheath – 02 4787 6550 – 0407 205 771
Shoe Postal Address: P.O Box 114, Blackheath, NSW, 2785
Website bigjohn.com.au
Sticky Rubber Resoles – stickyrubberresoles.com – 0450 490 197
ACT
Climbing Resoles Australia – 0426 252 715
PO Box 683, Mitchell, ACT, 2911
Website Climbingresoles.com.au
Email: climbingresolesaustralia@gmail.com
Victoria
Treo – Melbourne Climbing Resoles @treoclimbing
Arapiles Resoles – DROP OFF ONLY – Not accepting many orders –READ ONLINE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST
Tasmania
Sticky Joes Resoles @stickyjoesresoles
Website stickyjoes.com.au
Email: contact@stickyjoesresoles.com.au
South Australia
Ideal Shoe Repairs – (08) 8823 4017
174 Hutt Street, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Website: idealonhutt.com.au
Email: sales@idealonhutt.com.au
Western Australia
Rock Cobbler – 0403 403 334
Shop 4, 12 Napoleon St, Cottesloe, W.A 6011
Email: rockcobbler@yahoo.com
Northern Territory
No local option, so it’s post-and-pray to an interstate repairer.
Resoling Tips from the Shoe-Obsessed
- Don’t wait too long. If the rand’s gone, so’s your shoe’s dignity.
- Clean them first. Cobblers are talented, not immune to foot biology.
- Include your details. “The pink Solutions” isn’t enough.
- Pick your rubber wisely. XS Edge for edging, XS Grip for smearing, C4 for all-round heroics.
Final word: Resoling isn’t just about saving shoes — it’s about holding onto the memories. Every scuff is a story, every patch of polished rubber a little victory. And if you’re still not convinced, just remember: new shoes hurt, but true love lasts forever.
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