11 Ways to Recycle Your Old Shoes

It’s ok, you can admit it. We all have shoes lying around the house we don’t use. The thing about shoes is they seem to breed. I don’t buy them as often as others, but the bottom floor of my closet is slowly being taken over.

I know there are shoes I don’t wear any more and never will, so why do I still keep them? Here are a few things you can do with your old shoes:

1. Freecycle: Freecycle is a great local organization where neighbors share discards and items they no longer need. Visit the freecycle website for more details.
2. Donate to a homeless shelter: Granted, it might not be practical to donate your red, rhinestone-encrusted strappy sandals, but there are people who will appreciate receiving your old sneaker or hiking boots.
3. Nike’s Reuse a Shoe program – Nike has a program where old athletic shoes are recycled to make playground material and sports services.
4. Shoes in pristine condition can be sold at consignment stores.
5. Older shoes can be donated to thrift shops. Most thrift shops donate proceeds to charity.
6. Have a shoe swap with friends.
7. Check your local recycle center. They may have a shoe recycling program.
8. Donate your shoes to Eco Cycle – A recycling program where your shoes will be given to someone who needs them.
9. Donate your old Kenneth Cole shoes and receive 20% off on a new pair.
10. Contact Souls 4 Souls to see how to recycle or donate your used shoes.
11. Visit Recycled Runners to learn about different shoe recycling programs around the world.

Image via Morgue File