By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, and USATF- RRCA-certified running coach

If you’re wondering how to donate running shoes, here is everything you need to know. Whether you have one pair to donate or a collection of shoes gathering dust in the back of your closet, you can make a difference by donating your running shoes. Donating shoes is a great way to reduce waste, and if your shoes are in decent condition, someone may be able to reuse them. Here’s the complete rundown on how to donate running shoes.

Related Post: How to Recycle Running Shoes

Running Shoe Waste

Running shoes make up a continually growing segment of the retail market, valued at $15.44 billion in 2022, according to RunRepeat. With so many people buying running shoes, this can produce a lot of waste. The Environmental Protection Agency states that over 11,000 tons of textiles get dumped in landfills yearly in the U.S. Donating or recycling your running shoes is a great way to reduce waste.

If your running shoes are worn out, you will probably know by the feeling of flatness in the bottoms and an increase in minor aches and pains from your runs. Generally, running shoes last between 300 and 500 miles (483 to 805 km). If you’re not sure when it’s time to say goodbye to your shoes, you can track your shoe miles with running apps that can tell you how far you’ve run in your shoes.

Related Post: When to Change Your Running Shoes

Benefits of Donating Running Shoes

Donating your running shoes offers an eco-friendly way to dispose of them. You’ll be reducing waste in landfills and putting your shoes to good use. Depending on where you donate your shoes, they may be reused by someone who needs them.

How to Donate Your Running Shoes

If you’re ready to donate running shoes, here’s how to do it:

Gather your shoes to donate. Find all the shoes you’d like to donate and make sure they pass the criteria of where you’re donating them. Some shoe donation hubs require the shoes to be usable. Others will recycle them and are more lenient on the shoe condition.
Pick a donation location in your area or one you can ship your shoes to.
Package and send in your shoes or drop them off at a donation center.

Where to Donate Running Shoes

There are several places to donate running shoes. Here are some of the most popular ways to donate your shoes, with in-person dropboxes and mail-in options if you do not live near any collection points.

Donate to Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls has an international shoe donation program with drop-off centers and mail-in options. The non-profit accepts gently worn shoes of all types and repurposes them for different groups in need. Some shoes are given directly to people in crisis who are hit by natural disasters around the world. Other donated shoes help create jobs and revenue for entrepreneurs who sell them in thrift stores. The Soles4Souls donation program has kept over 91 million pounds of clothing from U.S. landfills. If Soles4Souls has no drop-off locations in your area, you can ship the shoes to them for free.

Recycle at Nike stores.

Select Nike stores have a shoe donation and recycling program. The stores accept worn Nike athletic shoes. Some also accept used athletic shirts and bottoms (excluding underwear). Nike’s shoe recycling program is not in every store, so check the store near you to ensure you can drop off your shoes before bringing them in. The Reuse A Shoe program recycles athletic shoes and gear to make other gear, equipment, and innovative spaces like running racks. Since 1992, Nike Grind has recycled 130 million pounds of sneaker material.

Donate to One World Running.

One World Running is a non-profit that gives shoes to people in need in developing countries. The organization was founded by sports journalist and coach Michael Sandrock after a trip to West Africa. You can ship your shoes to the headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, to be used for the program.

Donate Shoes at Races.

Many races now collect clothing and running shoe donations. You can check with the organizers before your next race and see if you can donate your shoes at the event.

Donate at Running Stores

Many running stores also have shoe collection bins. Check with your nearest running shop to see if you can drop off your used running shoes for recycling or donation.

Organize a Shoe Recycling or Donation Event.

You can organize a shoe drive in your neighborhood, at your work, or at a community organization. American Textile Recycling Service offers donation bins to order for collection events. Or you can pick one of the organizations listed above.

With so many eco-friendly initiatives to reuse and recycle running shoes, it’s easier than ever to find a place to donate them. This helps clear landfill space and can even give someone a much-needed pair of shoes.

FAQs

What do runners do with their old shoes?
With more and more people interested in reducing waste, many runners donate running shoes. You can drop off your used shoes at a donation bin at local athletic stores and races or send in your shoes to programs like Soles4Souls free of charge.

Can you give shoes to charity?
Many charities accept gently used shoes, including Soles4Souls and One World Running. For running shoes that are overly worn and can’t go another mile, you can drop them off at a shoe recycling location.

Does Nike accept used shoes?
Yes, Nike accepts used athletic shoes and clothing to recycle. Check out the directory of Nike recycling locations to find a collection location in your area.

If you want to donate your running shoes, several options are available. Check with your local running or Nike stores to see if they have donation bins, or you can send them off to programs like Soles4Souls or One World Running.

Now that we’ve sorted that out, are you ready to tackle your training issues? Head to the Runstreet Training Center for customized fitness and running plans to help you break through your plateau.

Happy running to you, and thank you for donating your shoes!😊

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

How to Donate Running Shoes