Most people have at least one pair of worn-out athletic shoes taking up space in a closet, garage, or gym bag. These sneakers are no longer worn, but they are too worn out to donate to a thrift store or give to someone else. The good news is that there are sustainable, responsible, and even profitable options for dealing with old shoes instead of sending them to the landfill.
In this guide, we will explore exactly what to do with old sneakers by breaking down your best options for recycling, reusing, donating, and even earning money with them. Whether you are decluttering, switching to new running shoes, or just looking for a more environmentally friendly way to clean out your closet, this article will help you take action.
Why It Matters to Handle Old Sneakers Responsibly
Before we explore your options, it is important to understand why figuring out what to do with old sneakers matters. In the United States alone, more than 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away every year. Most of them end up in landfills, where they can take decades to decompose. Meanwhile, many of these sneakers could be reused, recycled, or broken down into valuable raw materials.
Old sneakers that still have life in them can support people in need. Shoes that are no longer wearable can be dismantled and turned into new materials for surfaces like playgrounds and tracks. Some programs even allow you to earn money or raise funds for a cause just by sending in your used athletic shoes.
Option 1: Donate Old Sneakers That Are Still Wearable
If your old sneakers are still in good condition, the first thing to consider is donating them. Many nonprofits and donation centers accept gently used shoes to distribute to people in need. Some examples include:
- Local shelters and community centers
- Churches and outreach ministries
- Organizations like Soles4Souls
- Clothing banks or regional donation hubs
Before donating, make sure the sneakers are clean and in usable condition. Shoes with significant holes, worn-out soles, or broken laces are not suitable for donation and should be considered for recycling instead.
Option 2: Recycle Old Sneakers Through GotSneakers
One of the best solutions for what to do with old sneakers is to recycle them through a sneaker-specific program like GotSneakers. Unlike general donation drop-offs, GotSneakers provides a direct way to give your shoes a second life, even if they are worn or no longer suitable for reuse.
GotSneakers offers an Individual Seller Program that allows you to:
- Collect your used athletic sneakers
- Ship them using a prepaid shipping label
- Earn money based on the condition of your shoes
- Help divert shoes from landfills and support a global reuse network
This program is ideal for individuals who want to declutter responsibly and make a small profit in the process. It is also a perfect fit for eco-conscious consumers and families teaching children about sustainability.
To get started, simply visit gotsneakers.com/individual-sellers and request your free shipping kit.
Option 3: Repurpose or Upcycle at Home
Another way to decide what to do with old sneakers is to find creative ways to repurpose them. If you enjoy DIY projects or are looking for ways to reduce waste, upcycling your sneakers can be a fun and resourceful option.
Here are a few ideas:
- Planters: Fill your sneakers with soil and turn them into quirky outdoor planters
- Garden shoes: Use worn-out sneakers as slip-on shoes for yard work
- Art projects: Turn them into a statement piece or conversation starter
- Storage bins: Use them to hold small tools or craft supplies in a garage or shed
While not all shoes are suitable for repurposing, this can be a creative option when your shoes are no longer wearable but still have sturdy materials.
Option 4: Sell or Trade Used Sneakers
Some people are not just wondering what to do with old sneakers but also how to profit from them. If your shoes are still in great condition or are limited edition styles, they might hold resale value.
You can try:
- Listing them on resale platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace
- Trading them through sneaker forums or swap groups
- Visiting local consignment shops or sneaker stores
This method is ideal for sneaker collectors or those who have high-end athletic brands that are still in good shape. Keep in mind that reselling requires time, photos, communication with buyers, and sometimes shipping logistics.
Option 5: Participate in a Local Shoe Drive or Community Recycling Event
If you are looking for a way to do something good with your old sneakers and want to be involved in your community, consider participating in a local shoe drive. Schools, churches, scout troops, and sports teams often run shoe collection drives as fundraisers.
Even if you are not affiliated with a group, you can still contribute by:
- Donating to a local school shoe drive
- Hosting your own mini collection among friends or neighbors
- Searching community calendars for recycling events in your area
You can also suggest a GotSneakers fundraiser to your local group or PTA to help them raise money while keeping old shoes out of landfills.
How to Prepare Your Sneakers for Donation or Recycling
Now that you have considered your options for what to do with old sneakers, it is time to prepare your shoes for their next chapter. Whether you are mailing them to GotSneakers or donating to a local shelter, take a few simple steps to clean and organize your shoes.
- Remove dirt or mud from the soles
- Wipe down the outside with a damp cloth
- Tie laces together or place shoes in pairs
- Label or sort shoes if you are sending multiple pairs
- Double check condition and follow any guidelines from the recipient organization
Taking a few extra minutes to clean and organize your sneakers makes it easier for them to be reused or properly recycled.
The Environmental Impact of Shoe Recycling
Choosing the right option for what to do with old sneakers has more impact than most people realize. The sneaker industry uses synthetic rubber, plastic, and foam, which can sit in landfills for 30 to 40 years or longer. Recycling just one pair of shoes can help reduce demand for raw materials, lower carbon emissions, and support the circular economy.
When you use a program like GotSneakers, you are also helping build a global reuse network that redistributes shoes to people in developing countries. This reduces economic barriers and supports small-scale entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you explore what to do with old sneakers, avoid these common mistakes:
- Tossing shoes in the regular trash
- Donating severely worn or damaged sneakers
- Assuming your local thrift store can recycle unusable shoes
- Forgetting to check condition and clean shoes before shipping
- Sending non-athletic shoes to a sneaker-specific program
Each type of shoe has a different recycling or donation pathway, so take the time to read the guidelines of whichever program you choose.
Final Thoughts on What to Do With Old Sneakers
Old sneakers do not belong in landfills. They still have value—whether through reuse, upcycling, donation, or responsible recycling. Understanding what to do with old sneakers empowers you to make decisions that are better for the planet, your community, and sometimes your wallet.
If you want a stress-free, eco-friendly way to handle your used sneakers, the GotSneakers Individual Seller Program is a great place to start. It offers free shipping, helps you reduce waste, and provides a simple way to earn a little money while doing something good.
Recycle with GotSneakers
Ready to put your old sneakers to good use? Join thousands of individuals who are recycling and earning with GotSneakers.
Visit gotsneakers.com/individual-sellers to request your free kit and take the first step toward responsible sneaker recycling.