Yeah, that's such a common thing. I see it all the time with people building stuff or even just planning a simple project. We get it in our heads that we need the absolute strongest, most perfect thing, so we add way more than we actually need. Then you finish and realize half the materials (and half the work) were just extra. It's like a weird mix of overthinking and being scared it won't hold up.

Is there some secret trick to this that shoe companies are hiding from us? I did the whole wear-them-around-the-house thing too, and it feels like a total scam (like you said, they just expect the blisters). Maybe @val864 is onto something with the shock, because nobody warns you it's a weeks-long project. Honestly, the used shoe route is smart, even if you lose that new leather smell, which is kind of a sad trade.

That "without any hassle" part is key. A lot of places make returns a fight on principle, even for obvious problems. It's a good sign when a store just trusts you and fixes it. Makes you want to go back.

That potato peel broth thing is so real. My mom used to save all the celery leaves and onion skins in a bag in the freezer. When it was full, she'd simmer it with some peppercorns for a killer stock base, totally free. I still do it now. It feels way better than just tossing those bits.

The garbage pits you mentioned taught me more than any treasure hunt.