By Marnie Kunz, CPT

If you’re wondering how to recycle running shoes, this guide offers a rundown on how and where to go. And if you want to take even more eco-friendly steps, there are also recycled running shoes you can buy to reduce your carbon footprint. If you wish to donate your old running shoes for recycling or find new eco-friendly shoes, these tips will help you accomplish your green mission.

When to Replace Your Running Shoes

If your shoes are worn and no longer support your feet well, it’s probably time to switch them out. Most running shoes last between 300 and 500 miles. If your shoes fall within this range and start to feel flat, and you’re getting aches and pains, it’s probably time to replace them. But before you toss your running shoes in the trash, consider recycling them. When you recycle running shoes, this will cut down on waste, helping the planet.

Related Post: When to Replace Your Running Shoes

State of the Clothing Industry and Waste

With the running shoe industry booming and on track to increase 16% from pre-pandemic levels, the consumption of running shoes is high. This translates to lots of worn-out shoes that get thrown away. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 11,000 tons of textiles get dumped in landfills yearly in the U.S.

As awareness of climate issues rises, more people are reusing and recycling clothing and shoes. You can recycle running shoes in a variety of ways, and it may be as simple as dropping them off at your local running store or putting them in a box and shipping them off.

How to Recycle Running Shoes

Here are seven ways to recycle running shoes:

Drop them off at your local running store.

Many local running stores have recycling options, with a dropbox for old running shoes. Call or message your local running store to see if they have a drop box for worn shoes. This is usually one of the quickest and easiest ways to recycle running shoes. Many New Balance stores also collect worn running shoes to donate to community organizations.

Recycle at Nike stores.

Nike also has a Reuse A Shoe program. You can find a participating Nike store and drop off your used running shoes - of any brand - for Nike to repurpose, reuse, and recycle. 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.

Give your shoes away.

If your running shoes are still usable, give them to someone in need. You can donate them at a Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local clothing donation center. Another option is to include them in a stoop sale or garage sale and mark them as free for anyone who wants them. If you live in NYC like me, you can put them on the curb with a sign saying FREE, and if someone wants them, they can take them. In busy areas, free stuff is usually taken quickly.

Donate to Soles4Souls.

Soles4Souls offers free shoe drop-off and mail-in services. The global non-profit organization repurposes, reuses, and donates shoes to people in need worldwide. They also have a program that offers entrepreneurs in developing countries opportunities to repurpose and re-sell shoes and grow sustainable businesses.

Donate to One World Running.

One World Running provides 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.

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 that you can order for collection events. Or you can pick one of the organizations listed above.

Buying Recycled Running Shoes

If you want to decrease your carbon footprint and consumption, invest in recycled running shoes. More and more shoe companies are offering athletic shoes made from recycled materials, and many are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprints.

Adidas

Adidas has several sustainable running shoes, including the popular Ultraboost models, made from at least 50% recycled materials, some from ocean plastics.

Brooks

Brooks has running shoes made from recycled materials as well. Over 67% of Brooks’ total polyester volume comes from recycled polyester yarns. The Brooks Ghost shoe is made from 57% recycled materials in the upper and is certified as a Carbon-Neutral product.

Nike

Nike also has sustainable running shoes made from at least 2% recycled materials. The Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature and the Nike Air Zoom Structure include sustainable materials.

Asics

Asics has gently used running shoes through their Road-Tested program. These shoes are available for a discount, have been cleaned and repurposed, and are ready to run in. The Asics Gel Venture 9 running shoe features a sockliner made with a solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by around 45% compared to conventional dyeing technology.

Mizuno

Mizuno has running shoes made from recycled materials, including the Wave Neo Wind Running Shoe, made primarily from bio-based and recycled materials. The Project Zero Wave Rider includes eco-friendly materials and a bio base wave plate.

New Balance

New Balance has also implemented eco-friendly policies, pledging to source 100% preferred leather and 50% recycled polyester by 2025 and source 100% renewable electricity for owned operations by 2025. New Balance has a green leaf symbol on their most eco-friendly shoes on their website. The New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v13, for instance, has the green leaf symbol, which means the upper is made of 50% or more recycled content, and at least one midsole/outsole material contains a minimum of 3% bio-based or 5% recycled content.

Have you recycled your running shoes or bought recycled running shoes? Let us know how it went - tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share. 👋

Do you need a training plan to help you push through a fitness plateau or get your best race time? Head to the Runstreet Training Center for personalized, professional help.

Happy running to you! 😊

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.

How to Recycle Running Shoes + Buy Recycled Shoes