The Footprint of Footwear Waste

The global footwear industry is massive, with over 24 billion pairs of shoes produced annually, according to the World Footwear Yearbook. However, the environmental impact of discarded sh**oes is alarming. The average person buys 2–3 pairs per year, and an estimated **300 million pairs end up in landfills annually. Most shoes are made from a mix of materials—rubber, plastic, leather, and synthetic fabrics—making them difficult to recycle.

Additionally, a study by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative found that a typical pair of running shoes generates about 14 kg of CO₂ emissions during its lifecycle. With fashion trends pushing for rapid consumption, the need for sustainable disposal methods is more crucial than ever.

So, what can you do with old shoes? Let’s explore the most responsible and sustainable options.

1. Donate Shoes in Wearable Condition

One of the easiest ways to extend a shoe’s life is to donate it if it’s still in wearable condition. Many organizations distribute used shoes to those in need, preventing waste while supporting communities.

Where to Donate?

• Soles4Souls – Collects and redistributes shoes to those in need worldwide.
• Jog On – Accepts up to 15kg of shoes in any condition for reuse or recycling.
• Local shelters, charities, and religious organizations often accept gently used shoes.

A single donated pair can provide someone with durable footwear while reducing landfill waste.

source: Donate Shoes in Wearable Condition.webp

2. Sell or Swap for a Second Life

If your shoes are trendy and still in good condition, selling or swapping them can be a great option. The second-hand fashion market is expected to reach $77 billion by 2025, with shoes being one of the fastest-growing resale categories.

Where to Sell or Swap?

• Vinted – A marketplace for selling pre-loved clothing and shoes.
• Depop – Popular among younger generations for selling stylish second-hand fashion.
• ThredUp – Focuses on reselling high-quality used items.

Some brands even have buy-back programs, where they refurbish used shoes and resell them at discounted prices.

3. Repair and Restore – Extend the Life of Your Shoes

Did you know that almost 85% of the footwear that ends up in landfills could have been repaired? Many people throw away shoes for minor reasons—worn soles, broken zippers, or loose stitching—without realizing they can be fixed.

How to Repair Your Shoes?

• Visit a local cobbler – They can replace soles, re-stitch seams, and polish leather to make shoes look brand new.
• Use DIY shoe repair kits – Companies like Angelus offer easy-to-use kits for repairing sneakers, leather shoes, and boots.
• Some brands, like Veja, provide official repair services for their shoes.

Repairing shoes reduces environmental waste and saves money in the long run.

4. Get Creative – Upcycle and Repurpose

If shoes are beyond wearable condition, why not get creative and repurpose them? Upcycling allows you to turn old footwear into something useful instead of throwing it away.

Creative Upcycling Ideas

• Turn sneakers into planters – Fill them with soil and plant small herbs or flowers.
• Make DIY pet toys – Use fabric from old shoes to create chew toys for pets.
• Use soles for non-slip padding – Cut out pieces of rubber soles and place them under furniture legs to prevent slipping.

If you need inspiration, platforms like Pinterest have endless upcycling ideas!

5. Recycle Your Shoes Responsibly

Since shoes are made of complex materials, traditional recycling can be difficult. However, several brands and organizations offer specialized recycling programs.

Where to Recycle Old Shoes?

• Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe – Accepts any brand of athletic shoes and turns them into sports surfaces.
• Terracycle Zero Waste Boxes – Allows you to send in old shoes for proper recycling.
• Local textile and footwear recycling centers – Check Earth911 to find nearby drop-off locations.

Recycling prevents non-biodegradable materials from sitting in landfills for centuries.

source: Recycle Your Shoes Responsibly.webp

6. Support Sustainable Footwear Brands

One of the best ways to prevent shoe waste is to invest in durable, eco-friendly footwear from the start. Many brands are now producing shoes from recycled materials and offering take-back programs.

Sustainable Shoe Brands to Consider

• Allbirds – Makes shoes from renewable materials like wool and sugarcane.
• Rothy’s – Produces fully recyclable shoes made from plastic bottles.
• Thousand Fell – Offers a closed-loop system where customers can send back old pairs for recycling.

By choosing sustainable brands, you reduce your overall footprint and support a circular economy.

7. Explore Local Solutions on Made for Planet

If you're looking for local businesses that repair, resell, or transform old shoes, check out Made for Planet. The platform connects consumers with sustainable companies that specialize in shoe refurbishment, resale, and recycling.

Using local options reduces the carbon footprint of shipping and supports businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Conclusion – Every Shoe Has a Second Life

With billions of shoes produced annually and millions discarded prematurely, rethinking how we handle old shoes is essential. Instead of sending them to landfills, consider:

✅ Donating to those in need

✅ Selling or swapping to extend their life

✅ Repairing and restoring for longer wear

✅ Upcycling for creative reuse

✅ Recycling responsibly

✅ Buying from sustainable brands

✅ Exploring local repair and resale options

source: Every Shoe Has a Second Life.webp

By making these small but impactful choices, we can reduce footwear waste, lower our environmental impact, and promote a more circular economy.

So the next time you think about tossing an old pair of shoes, ask yourself: Can they be repaired, reused, or repurposed? The answer is almost always YES!

♻️ Sustainability starts with small steps—literally. ♻️

FAQs About Disposing of Old Shoes Sustainably

1. Can old shoes be donated?

Yes! If your shoes are in gently worn condition, you can donate them to organizations like Soles4Souls or Jog On, which distribute them to those in need.

2. Where can I sell second-hand shoes?

You can sell pre-loved shoes on platforms like Vinted, Depop, and ThredUp. Many brands also offer buy-back programs for resale.

3. How can I repair old shoes instead of throwing them away?

Visit a local cobbler for repairs like sole replacements and stitching. Some brands, such as Veja, also offer official repair services for their shoes.

4. Can I recycle my old shoes?

Yes, certain programs like Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe and Terracycle accept shoes for recycling and repurpose them into new materials.

5. What are some creative ways to upcycle old shoes?

You can turn old shoes into planters, pet toys, or non-slip padding for furniture. DIY guides on platforms like Pinterest offer endless upcycling inspiration.

6. What are the most sustainable shoe brands?

Eco-friendly brands like Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Thousand Fell make shoes from recycled materials and offer recycling programs for used shoes.

7. How long does it take for shoes to decompose in landfills?

Shoes made from synthetic materials can take 30-40 years to decompose, while leather shoes may take up to 50 years. Proper disposal methods like recycling and upcycling help reduce waste.

8. Where can I find local shoe recycling or repair services?

Check Made for Planet for businesses that specialize in repairing, reselling, or recycling old shoes in your area.

9. How can I make my shoes last longer?

• Clean them regularly to prevent wear and tear.
• Use waterproof sprays for protection.
• Store them properly in a dry, ventilated area.
• Rotate shoes to reduce overuse and prolong durability.

10. Why is sustainable shoe disposal important?

With over 24 billion pairs of shoes produced annually and millions ending up in landfills, responsible disposal reduces environmental waste, lowers carbon emissions, and supports a circular economy.