If you have ever opened your closet and found a pile of worn out sneakers you no longer wear, you are not alone. Many people wonder what to do with old sneakers once they are no longer needed.
Throwing them away may seem like the easiest choice, but there are better and more meaningful options. Old sneakers may look used up, but they still have value.
Whether they are still wearable or completely worn down, there are smart and sustainable ways to give them a second life.
In this blog post, we will explore easy and eco-friendly ideas for what to do with old sneakers so they do not end up in landfills.
You will also learn about one of the simplest solutions: recycling sneakers through a program like GotSneakers, where your old shoes can raise money and help protect the environment.
Why You Should Not Throw Away Old Sneakers
Most sneakers are made from rubber, plastic, synthetic foam, and textiles. These materials do not break down easily. When you throw sneakers in the trash, they go to landfills where they can take decades or even centuries to decompose. As they break down, they may also release harmful chemicals into the soil and water.
Here are a few reasons why you should find a better option:
- Reduces waste and landfill overflow
- Lowers carbon footprint
- Supports people in need through donations
- Encourages mindful consumption and reuse
- Helps the planet and sets a positive example for kids and families
What to Do with Old Sneakers Instead of Throwing Them Away
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most practical, eco friendly, and rewarding things to do with old sneakers:
1. Recycle Them Through GotSneakers
One of the best things to do with old sneakers is to send them to GotSneakers, a sneaker recycling and fundraising program. This easy-to-use service lets you ship your sneakers for free and receive payment based on their condition.
You can participate as an individual or as part of a group, school, team, or nonprofit. If the sneakers are still in decent shape, they may be reused by someone in need. If not, they will be broken down and recycled responsibly.
How it works:
- Sign up at Gotsneakers.com
- Receive a free kit with prepaid shipping labels
- Pack up your old sneakers and send them in
- Get paid based on condition or raise money for a cause
It is simple, impactful, and gives your shoes a new purpose.
2. Donate to Local Charities or Shelters
If your old sneakers are still in good or gently worn condition, donating them to local shelters or community centers is a great option. Many organizations serve people who need basic items like clothing and shoes.
Before donating, make sure the sneakers are:
- Clean and dry
- Free from holes or major damage
- Still comfortable to wear
You can call ahead to confirm if the organization accepts sneakers and what sizes are most needed.
3. Give Them to a School or Youth Sports Program
Kids grow fast, and schools or after-school programs often need extra pairs of sneakers for students who forget theirs or cannot afford new ones. Donating sneakers to your local elementary school, middle school, or recreation center is a great way to support young athletes.
Make sure the sneakers are in wearable condition and match the general age range or needs of the program.
4. Use Them as Garden or Yard Work Shoes
Shoes that are too worn for donation may still have life left for dirty jobs. Keep an old pair of sneakers around for:
- Mowing the lawn
- Working in the garden
- Painting projects
- Washing the car
- DIY home improvements
You do not need them to look nice, they just need to be functional and protective.
5. Repurpose Them into Art or Crafts
Feeling creative? Turn your old sneakers into a fun art project. Some people decorate them for planters, hang them up as garden decor, or use the parts for mixed media art.
While this might not be for everyone, it is a playful way to reuse something instead of tossing it out.
6. Check if Your Local Store Offers Recycling
Some athletic stores and shoe retailers offer sneaker take-back programs.
For example, some Nike stores have a recycling initiative called Nike Grind, where shoes are shredded and used to make surfaces like playground flooring or sports courts.
Before heading to the store, check their website or call your local branch to confirm they are currently accepting used sneakers.
How Sneaker Recycling Helps the Environment
Choosing what to do with old sneakers is not just about cleaning your closet, it is about reducing your environmental impact. Here is how sneaker recycling helps:
- Keeps materials out of landfills: Millions of sneakers are thrown away each year. Recycling reduces waste.
- Saves natural resources: Making new shoes requires energy, water, and raw materials. Recycling cuts down on demand.
- Lowers emissions: Landfills produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Preventing waste helps slow climate change.
- Promotes global reuse: Some recycled shoes are repaired and distributed to people who need them most.
- Inspires future action: It teaches families, schools, and communities how easy it is to make eco friendly choices.
Why GotSneakers Is a Great Solution
GotSneakers takes the guesswork out of what to do with old sneakers. Whether you are a parent, student, athlete, or nonprofit, their program gives you a way to earn money while doing something good for the planet.
Here is what makes it different:
- No cost to participate
- Free shipping and materials
- Transparent payouts based on condition
- Works for individuals or groups
- Supports both reuse and recycling
- Promotes education and sustainability
Whether you want to clean out your closet or start a sneaker drive for your school or sports team, GotSneakers is a smart place to start.
Long Island Elite Fastpitch Swaps Old Sneakers for Environmental Impact
A strong example of what to do with old sneakers comes from Long Island Elite Fastpitch, a competitive youth softball organization that is combining athletic excellence with environmental responsibility.
In addition to training top-level athletes and preparing players for college recruitment, the organization has launched a sneaker recycling initiative through GotSneakers. By collecting used athletic shoes from players, families, and supporters, they are helping reduce landfill waste and cut down on harmful chemicals released by discarded footwear.
Every pair of sneakers collected gets a second life, either through reuse or responsible recycling. The drive not only supports the environment but also brings the team together around a shared mission of giving back.
Their example shows how sports teams of any size can lead by example and take meaningful steps toward sustainability, one pair of sneakers at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle sneakers that are very worn out?
Yes. Even if your sneakers are dirty, damaged, or worn thin, they can still be recycled through programs like GotSneakers. They may not be reused, but they can be broken down and kept out of landfills.
Do I have to clean my shoes before donating them?
It is a good idea to wipe them down and remove any major dirt or debris, especially if you are donating them to a local shelter or school. For recycling, shoes should be dry but do not need to be spotless.
What kinds of shoes can I send to GotSneakers?
GotSneakers accepts athletic sneakers and running shoes. They do not accept dress shoes, boots, sandals, or heels. The focus is on sneakers that can be reused or recycled.
Final Thoughts on What to Do with Old Sneakers
Old sneakers may seem like trash, but they are full of potential. Whether you donate them, recycle them, or repurpose them, you are making a smarter and more responsible choice than tossing them out.
If you are looking for a simple way to make a difference, GotSneakers offers a solution that is easy to start, free to use, and meaningful in its impact. It helps you reduce waste, support causes you care about, and involve others in the process.
Ready to Recycle Your Sneakers the Right Way?
Clean out your closet and give your old sneakers a new purpose.
Visit gotsneakers.com to sign up for your free sneaker recycling kit today.
Whether you are a parent, student, or just someone who wants to do the right thing, your old sneakers still have value. Let them make an impact.