How To Recycle Running Shoes
Sadly, running shoes don’t last forever. The average life of a running shoe is about 500 kilometers. After that, the cushioning wears out, and the shoes lose their ability to absorb the impact you create as you run.
When that happens, your knees and joints absorb that shock. This can lead to a significantly increased risk of injury—ouch! But just because your shoes are no longer suitable for running doesn’t mean you have to toss them in the trash. Check out the ideas below and find ways to repair, donate, or recycle running shoes!
Find A Cobbler
Local cobblers can restore all kinds of footwear. Believe it or not, many even specialize in repairing old running shoes. Do some research in your community or check with your favorite cobbler to see if they can restore your old sneakers.
The process usually includes a full resole, so the shoes’ tops should be in okay condition if you choose this option. Cobblers can also restore hiking boots, climbing shoes, and all kinds of active footwear, so it’s worth finding a resource!
Donate Them
Used doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Maybe somebody else needs a pair of shoes for work, gardening, painting, etc., and an older pair of sneakers would be suitable. Find a clothing donation site in your community and double-check that they accept sneakers.
Before you donate, thoroughly clean the sneakers and allow them to air-dry thoroughly. You can even tie a small note onto the shoe to let the future owner know they’ve hit their limit for heavy running use, but it would be safe for lower-impact activities.
Find A Local Shoe Recycle Program
Unfortunately, you can’t recycle just shoes, plastic bottles, and cans. Recycling sneakers is more complex; most recycling centers aren’t set up.
However, several recycling locations have the equipment and know-how to break down your shoes’ materials and give them new life in another form. You can ship your shoes to companies like Terracycle, which works with hard-to-recycle materials. Could you do some research on specialty recyclers in your area to find a suitable solution?
Reduce other types of plastic consumption.
Plastic is in everything. If you’d like to do more to reduce your overall plastic consumption, here are a few tips that can help.
Change Their Purpose
It seems obvious, but just a quick reminder—just because you can’t use your shoes for running doesn’t mean they’ve lost their value! Old running shoes can be helpful when you need something for a particularly messy project.
Whether you’re tie-dyeing with the kids or doing some gardening or other home-improvement projects, sometimes having an old pair of shoes around keeps you from damaging your new ones. Instead of recycling your shoes, why not hang on to your old running shoes just in case?
The Future of Footwear
Plastic waste is a problem, and now, more than ever, companies are becoming aware of how they produce apparel and products like running shoes. Adidas has Primeblue products, which use Parley Ocean Plastic, which is made using plastic waste intercepted from coastal areas. Adidas isn’t the only company that has been paying attention to this issue.
Before buying your next pair of running shoes, please research to ensure they’re produced responsibly.
Are you passionate about the fight against plastic waste? Join us during Run For The Oceans and dedicate your cardio to a great cause! Check out the challenge in the Adidas Running app.
Another Tips About How To Recycle Running Shoes
Running shoes are essential for any runner, but what happens to them when worn out and no longer usable? Consider recycling them rather than throwing them away and contributing to the overflowing landfills.
Recycling running shoes is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment. Here are some tips on how to recycle your old running shoes –
1. Donate Them
One of the easiest ways to recycle old running shoes is to donate them to a charity or organization in need. Many organizations, such as Soles4Souls and One World Running, accept donations of gently used athletic shoes and redistribute them to those in need worldwide. Donating your old running shoes can help someone in need and keep them out of the landfill.
2. Repurpose Them
If your old running shoes are too worn out to donate, consider repurposing them. There are many creative ways to reuse old shoes, such as turning them into planters for your garden or using them as dog toys. Get creative and think outside the box when repurposing your old running shoes.
3. Recycle Them at a Retailer
Some athletic retailers offer recycling programs for old running shoes. Retailers like Nike and Brooks have programs where you can drop off your old shoes at their stores to be recycled. These programs typically take the materials from the shoes and turn them into new products, such as playground surfaces or running tracks.
4. Check with Local Recycling Centers
Many local recycling centers also accept old athletic shoes for recycling. Could you check with your city or town to see if they have a program in place for recycling shoes? If not, consider starting a petition or contacting local officials to encourage them to implement a shoe recycling program.
5. Mail Them to a Recycling Program
If you can’t find a local program to recycle your old running shoes, consider mailing them to a national recycling program. Several organizations, such as Nike’s Reuse A Shoe program, accept mail-in donations of old athletic shoes. Could you package up your old shoes and send them off to be recycled?
6. Use Recycled Shoes
Consider purchasing a pair made from recycled materials when buying new running shoes. Many athletic brands now offer shoes made from recycled plastics, rubber, and other materials. By supporting these eco-friendly brands, you can help reduce the demand for new materials and promote sustainability in the athletic shoe industry.
Recycling running shoes is a simple way to reduce waste and help the environment. Whether you donate them to a charity, repurpose them for a new use, or recycle them through a retailer or recycling program, every little bit helps. So, the next time you’re ready to toss your old running shoes, consider recycling them.
