Where To Donate Shoes You Don’t Wear Anymore

We all probably have a spot in our closets that we hardly ever open a bunch of shoes from the last couple of seasons, those random purchases that didn’t quite fit right, or even the running sneakers that, although getting old, still have plenty of running left in them for some other person.

If you have thought about ways to give shoes a second life instead of just throwing them out, that is a great thought on your part. To add icing on the cake, there is a neat, tried and tested procedure already set up for that.

Reasons for not throwing away your shoes

The composition of reuse shoes involves rubber, foam, leather, and synthetic materials which can take several years to decompose if they end up in landfills. By throwing away each one, you are just adding to the escalating waste issue which is 100% preventable.

A nicer way of putting it: handing them over to someone in need. And not just any kind of donation program, one that is able to actually tell you where your shoes are going and what happens to them eventually.

Sneaker Impact: The Best Place to Reuse Shoes

Sneaker Impact, Inc. has created a whole system around sourcing stylish used footwear and helping small business owners in underdeveloped countries. These don’t just get sort of lost in a donation bin, rather, they reach individuals who fix up, sell, and put shoes back into communities where people cannot afford footwear easily.

Impact summarized by statistics:

• Over 15 million pairs of shoes recycled
• Empowered more than 5, 000 small business owners
• Approximately 128 million kg of CO2e avoided landfilling
• More than 3, 000 collection spots all around the country

They have also collaborated with big brands such as Saucony, Rack Room Shoes, and Orangetheory Fitness, this is a very strong indication that it is a large scale and legitimate operation, not some sort of a garage project.​

How to Donate Your Shoes in 2 Simple Steps

It really couldn’t be easier to get started:

• Locate a drop-off spot, Go to sneakerimpact.com and with the help of their location finder tool find one of the 3, 000+ collection points in your area.
• Or you can send, Just select from their prepaid shipping methods and mail the shoes directly to them.

That’s all. Simple and effective.

What Types of Shoes Can You Donate?

They should be shoes that have been worn a few times, not completely brand new but also not totally worn out Sneaker Impact will take boots that still have a decent amount of wear left whether that is through direct use or through repair by local”

Though Athletic and casual shoes are the main focus, most types of shoes are accepted. If a particular style is doubtful always check the website or ask them by phone.”

The Circular Fashion Connection: Refresh Your Collection, Give Back

How often do you consider your personal appearance? We all put a lot of effort into looking our best through haircut, skin care, and nice clothing. Interestingly, footwear makes a significant impact on our overall image as well.

However, when you’re updating your wardrobe, you shouldn’t simply leave your old shoes to gather dust or, worse, throw them away. Give them a second life. The idea of circular fashion is not just a fad anymore because there are genuine environmental benefits, not to mention that it helps real people.​

Can Businesses Host Shoe Drives?

Partnerships with Sneaker Impact enable salons, fitness studios, and other small businesses to have their own collection points for used shoes. Besides being a direct way to promote the business aligned with a cause, it really helps in the building of authentic customer loyalty. Customers are giving a service a visit, but they are also dropping off their old sneakers, and they are happy not only because the service is good but also because they are able to contribute to a good cause.

The Bottom Line

Don’t just discard your old shoes. They can still be useful to someone, and luckily, there is a whole system that can help deliver them to those in need.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What state should the shoes be in?

Gently worn shoes that are still usable but ones you have stopped wearing. Sneaker Impact is a footwear collection program for shoes that can still be reuse shoes.

Q: Can I donate only sneakers or any type of shoe?

They accept most types, but mainly athletic and casual footwear. While uncertain, you may. What to do if you are confused? Contact their help desk or see their website for more details.

Q: What is the best way to locate a drop-off spot in my area?

The most straightforward way is to go to Sneaker Impact and use the location finder. If there is no local drop-off convenient for you, you can always use their prepaid shipping option.

Q: Do shoe donations really help the environment?

Definitely. shoes that are discarded directly release the equivalent of CO2 emissions, Sneaker Impact has quantified their environmental benefit to be over 128 million kg of CO2e.

Q: Can a business or a salon run a shoe donation program?

Definitely. Salons, gyms, and other businesses can collaborate with Sneaker Impact to hold a collection drive. Doing so is a great way to bring a purpose-driven element to your brand.