- 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
- Nike stores with Reuse-A-Shoe program
- Athletic retailers
- DSW shoe recycling
- Running specialty stores
Athletic shoes contain valuable rubber and foam that can be reprocessed. Nike Grind program turns old shoes into athletic surfaces and new products.
Shoe recycling recovers rubber for playground surfaces, basketball courts, and running tracks. Prevents 1.5 pounds of materials per pair from landfills.
- Garden shoes for muddy work
- Donate to homeless shelters
- Art and craft projects
- Plant containers with drainage
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
- Athletic sandals and slides
Not Accepted
- Dress shoes or formal footwear
- Boots (work, hiking, fashion)
- Shoes with metal studs that cannot be removed
- Completely destroyed shoes with separated soles
Estimated value: $1-5 per pair in material recovery; $10-50+ for quality donation shoes
Donation
- Soles4Souls
- One World Running
- Local youth sports programs
- Homeless shelters
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Do shoes need to be in pairs to recycle?
Pairs are preferred but not required. Single shoes can still be processed for material recovery.
What happens to recycled athletic shoes?
Rubber becomes playground surfaces and tracks, foam becomes carpet padding, and textiles become new shoe components.
Can I recycle very worn or damaged athletic shoes?
Yes! Material condition doesn't matter for recycling - even completely worn shoes can be broken down for raw materials.