soft sole shoe questions

[leighi123]

What is that fabric called that has the little non slip 'dots' on it? Joann is out and I cant find any online becase I dont know what its called!

Any other ideas for making the bottoms of soft shoes? I've used coorderoy for newborn shoes but ds is walking now so I need something better.

Another thing I want to do is make some really warm shoes - what would I use for that - fleece?

Is there a way to make them waterproof? (snows here!)

How about boots - is there any free patterns for soft sole boots?

[riverside knitter]

I think the stuff is called "slipper gripper". I've seen it on fabric.com. Based on my cloth diapering experience, wool felt treated with lanolin might be a warm & water-resistant option.

[MrsAprilMay]

I've also heard of people using fabric paint to make dots on the bottom of soft soled shoes. I haven't tried it, so I'm not totally sure it will work or what kind to get. Just thought I'd throw it out there!

[leighi123]

Originally Posted by MrsAprilMay

I've also heard of people using fabric paint to make dots on the bottom of soft soled shoes. I haven't tried it, so I'm not totally sure it will work or what kind to get. Just thought I'd throw it out there!

I did try that - didnt work so well (well it did, but didnt hold up for long) It DOES work great on socks though, any 'puff paint' works

[LaughingHyena]

I used leather. Just make sure to have the smooth side facing in.

I think I will be trying the puff paint on socks though. DS hates wearing shoes at the moment and keeps lipping on the hard floors.

[pampered_mom]

SewBaby.com has some non-skid fabric called "Jiffy Grip".

There's also a product called Tough Tek.

[leighi123]

Originally Posted by LaughingHyena

I used leather. Just make sure to have the smooth side facing in.

The main reason I make him shoes instead of buying is to avoid leather (veggies here!).

[JabbersMom]

Isabooties use "Toughtek®"

IsaBooties’™ soles are made from Toughtek®, an incredible “grip” fabric made from 100% polyester with a rubber outercoating. Toughtek® retains its non-slip quality in wet, dry, warm or cold conditions. And, even though Toughtek® is extremely sturdy, it’s also soft and flexible allowing IsaBooties™ to mimic barefoot walking. Toughtek® is the same grip fabric used in the booties worn by search and rescue dogs because it is so durable.