How to Prepare
- 1Clean off excess dirt and mud with water
- 2Remove or tie laces to keep pairs together
- 3Check manufacturer take-back programs first
- 4Separate cleats, spikes, or metal hardware if removable
- 5Consider donation if shoes have significant life remaining
Where to Recycle
- Nike stores with Reuse-A-Shoe program
- Athletic retailers (Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority)
- DSW and other shoe stores with recycling programs
- Running specialty stores
- Municipal recycling centers with textile programs
Special Instructions
Athletic shoes contain valuable rubber and foam that can be reprocessed. Nike Grind program turns old shoes into athletic surfaces and new products.
Environmental Impact
Shoe recycling recovers rubber for playground surfaces, basketball courts, and running tracks. Prevents 1.5 pounds of materials per pair from landfills.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Donate gently used shoes to Goodwill or homeless shelters
- Use as garden shoes or work footwear
- Repurpose for art projects or planters
- Trade-in programs at athletic retailers
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Any brand athletic shoes (running, training, basketball)
- Cleated sports shoes (soccer, football, baseball)
- Canvas sneakers and skate shoes
- Worn-out athletic shoes of any condition
- Children's athletic shoes
Not Accepted
- Dress shoes or non-athletic footwear
- Boots with steel toes or safety features
- Shoes with electronic components
- Severely contaminated shoes with hazardous materials
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: $0-5 for recycling; $10-50 for quality used athletic shoes