I have a serious problem over here. Really serious. I asked myself, how did this happen? How did I end up with so many pairs of running shoes? What in the world should I do with them? Perhaps you have found yourself in a similar predicament? Don’t worry because I have solutions for both of us. I’ve found 4 places to donate old running shoes so they do the most good.
4 Places to donate old running shoes
I notice that my shoes wear down too much to run in but not enough to look worn down. You know exactly what I mean right? They often look just fine, almost new sometimes, but I can feel the cushioning and support wearing down. Don’t judge, sometimes I upgrade my running shoes just because a new model or seasonal color has come out. Oh I hope my husband is not reading this! And that is how I have ended up with so many running shoes!
No problem, we will get through this together! Here are 4 fantastic solutions to deal with our hoarding problem and help others in need.
Soles4Souls
Soles4Souls has partnered with Zappos to collect used athletic shoes to distribute to those in need in Haiti, South & Central America. By far the easiest way to donate all at once, you simply print out a free shipping label from Zappos here and send them off. They can accept up to 50 pounds in one box. Genius and super easy!
One World Running
Boulder, Colorado based non-profit. Find drop off locations nationwide here. These shoes are distributed to those in need in the Caribbean, Central America and Africa. May work well for organizations and groups that have a large amount of shoes to donate at once.
Share your Soles
This Chicago based non profit has donated over 4 million pairs of shoes world wide. See here for local drop off locations.
Nike Re-use a Shoe
Nike collects used athletic shoes to repurpose into tracks, playgrounds and other sports surfaces. Collections available at Nike stores nationwide.
I hope I have given you some practical ideas on how to donate your own used running shoes so that they do the most good. You may even find space for some new running shoes. Just kidding of course! Any other ideas that I have not thought of?
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I am familiar with your problem!
Once I have found a good pair I tend to buy them in bulk, so plenty of shoes here.
I like the idea for donating shoes for repurposing. Over here, we have “Tex-Aid” boxes, where we can throw clean but used clothing and shoes into.
That is perfect! It’s nice to think that we are able to give back to those who many need them
Great ideas! I save some of my shoes to use for cross-training or walking. But there are definitely pairs that I can donate. I will need to look into some of these places!
Fantastic it’s nice to know that we can help others in such an easy way
Usually I just give my shoes to Good Will or Salvation Army but these look next time I get rid of a pair! Thanks for highlighting these options Deborah
Thanks for checking them out
Great ideas, I have a BIG bag of old shoes. I keep changing the ones that I like. So they are not worn out.
I usually bring them to an expo but now to Fleet Feet.
All great ideas. It’s nice to know our shoes can go to others who need them
I have a hefty (though quite colorful) collection of shoes that need a new home. I’ve used several for biking or walking, but they’re running days are history. I didn’t realize you could ship them (Soles4Souls), it’s tough to find drop-off locations in my area. Problem solved!!!
Yes it’s so easy free shipping!
These are great places to donate – thanks for sharing! We used to have a Soles4Souls at my job and we always collected SO many shoes, it was amazing. Recently I’ve been donating my used sneakers and shoes at DSW. I believe they give them to Soles4Souls and you can earn points to use toward future purchases.
Oh that’s a great ideas as well!
Of course it frees up room for new shoes!!!!
So I usually donate locally, either to my running store or to the local shoe donations at some of the big races. While the organizations you mention are awesome, we also have some small neighborhood organizations who benefit from used running shoes, so they are my go-to!
If they are still collecting now that is a great option
That’s such a great idea, I have a couple of pairs I can give away
Fantastic!
Thank you for this! I do have some older runner shoes that I need to donate.
Fantastic hope you got some helpful ideas here
I love the idea of giving back and recycling in whatever way you can. I’m not really a runner, so I don’t have a ton of sneakers, but Share your Soles seems like a great place to just donate extra shoes in general. Thanks for sharing!
You bet! It always feels good to give back when you can
Thank you for sharing these ideas Deborah! These are some great suggestions. I’m sure I have some I need to donate.
Fantastic glad I gave you some ideas
I just love this! I like trying to find non-profits to donate vs donating to for-profit companies if I have the chance!
Yes exactly!
I usually never donate because I supinate so badly that they are unwearable by the time I am done with them (the soles are worn down to a diagonal slant! It’s really bad!) BUT looks like that’s what that Nike option is for, if they are going to actually dismantle them for the raw materials to re-purpose. Thanks for the info!
Yes that sounds like a great idea!
I honestly didn’t really know there was a place to donate old running shoes so this is super helpful information!
Fantastic glad I gave you some ideas for yours
This is a great resource. I usually wash old shoes and use them for work/casual wear but that still leaves me with a lot of shoes. Some races take shoe donations but who knows when racing will happen again?
Who knows indeed!?
I remember after doing the Warrior dash a few years ago they had bins for us to donate our shoes after the run. Such a great idea to purge shoes that aren’t being worn and that are worn down! Love it
yes hope these give you a few more ideas as well!
i was just thinking about what to do with all my old running shoes! It’s embarrassing, really. I do look like a hoarder. Thank you for this!
From one hoarder to another…I get you!
My local running store has a donation bin. If I buy a new pair of shoes, I always try to donate an old pair!
That definitely works too. I have not been inside my running store for a long time