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Confused about what to do with old shoes? Worry no more. We've found out all you need to know about how to get rid of your unwanted footwear in a responsible manner. Are you ready to dive into the world of shoe recycling?
Shoe waste. It's a serious issue. That's why we're proud to be launching takeback for your old shoes, in collaboration with Dune. We’ve been taking back old Kickers kicks for a while now, so we thought it was about time to expand.
Unfortunately there comes a time when our favourite pair of trusted boots - the ones somehow that go with everything, or those comfy trainers that have taken us from strolls to hikes to the gym and back, have reached the point where the local cobbler couldn't even work their magic for their highest fee.
It's fine - we know that shoes reach the end of their life, or sometimes they're just far too uncomfortable to wear, and we bet if you're like us, your shoe-drobe is long overdue it’s annual clear-out.
We've put together a comprehensive list of ways to recycle and donate shoes you've fallen out of love with, in a way that combats footwear waste. From giving a new life to old kicks with reselling and takeback schemes (like ours) to sending gently used shoes to charity shops, or even working out a sustainable solution for the broken flip flops or snapped heels, read on for the answers you've been looking for.
Without further a-shoe...
HOW MANY SHOES ARE PRODUCED EACH YEAR?
According to the World Footwear Network, over 22 billion pairs of shoes are produced every year across the world. That's more than 3 new pairs of shoes for every person in the world, every single year.
It's impossible for us to know exactly how many shoes there are in the world, but with a figure like that, you can imagine that we are quite literally drowning in shoes. Like most of us, we bet there's a fair few pairs gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe.
Now is the perfect time to finally get around to clearing out and giving new homes to all the pairs that don't get enough wear.
WHY ARE SHOES NOT “ECO-FRIENDLY”?
It's not that shoes aren't eco friendly, per se, but most shoes are made up of multiple materials making them pretty challenging to recycle. A rubber sole, leather shoe upper, padded insole plus glue and thread holding everything together all need to be separated before old shoes can be recycled properly.
Shoes can also use a lot of carbon to produce - one study found that the production of a pair of running shoes emits 13kg of carbon dioxide. Across the board, the production of shoe materials come with their own environmental challenges such as carbon emissions, excessive water use, negative soil health and toxic chemical use. On top of all this, there is the big challenge of what we do with old shoes that we don't want anymore, especially as they're unlikely to biodegrade.
Eesh- we know that sounds intense…but bear with us.
HOW MANY SHOES END UP IN LANDFILL?
Roughly 300 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills after they have been worn every year. That means that around 90% of shoes finish life in a waste site. The Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, which usually makes up the midsole of most running shoes, can last for as long as 1,000 years in a landfill. That means they'll still be hanging around for the next 30 generations.
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WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFE OF A SHOE?
It depends on the type of shoes and how you wear them, but some reports suggest that trainers used regularly for high impact exercise like running may only last around a year. Sandals appear to last around 4-5 years, but it totally depends on who's wearing them and what kind of activity they get up to.
If you're wearing athletic sneakers or a pair of leather shoes everyday, you will start to notice a decline in quality between 6-12 months (roughly speaking). But we all know that a good pair of shoes can last you years and years, especially if they're cared for and repaired when they're starting to lose their sparkle.
WHEN SHOULD YOU THROW OUT OLD SNEAKERS AND SHOES?
Honestly, we don't think you should be prescriptive with this one. We could tell you to pass your old shoes on after ‘x' number of wears, or when they've done ‘y' number of miles… but really, who is measuring that sort of thing?
You know when it's time to say goodbye to your unwanted and worn shoes. If they're falling apart, no longer supportive or comfortable, or have lost their shape, then they're probably at the end of their life.
But if you love wearing those beaten up old sneakers, don't let us stop you. We're all for keeping old footwear that you love in your wardrobe for as long as possible.
WHAT TO DO WITH SHOES THAT YOU DON'T WANT ANY MORE?
If your unwanted shoes are in fairly good condition but just don't float your boat anymore, you could donate them to a charity shop, give them to a friend or sell them on a resale platform. You can also take old shoes to your local recycling centre. If your old shoes are eligible for the Dune or Kickers Takeback scheme, send them to us.
IS IT WORTH DONATING YOUR OLD SHOES TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE?
Charity shops and donation bins usually appreciate shoe donations, and many pairs of shoes can be rehomed to live a long and happy life with someone new.
However it’s important to take into consideration if the shoes you want to donate are in good condition or looking a bit scruffy. Donating shoes to your local charity shop that are not in sell-able condition means giving them the job of recycling or disposing of them. And that’s not an easy job - as you’ve found out.
Some charities are great at finding sustainable solutions, but in general, if your shoes aren't wearable any more, it's best to find a recycling company that you can trust to recycle them.
CAN YOU PUT OLD, PRELOVED SHOES IN THE RECYCLING BIN?
Don't be a wishcycler. If you got some really old shoes that aren't eligible for takeback, we recommend taking them to a clothing or shoe donation bin or to your recycling centre, where they usually have a designated area for textiles and shoes.
Shoe recycling bins are widely available, and to find one in your area, you can search by postcode on the Recycle Now website.
When you recycle old shoes, please don't put them in your general recycling bin. Councils across the country don't usually offer doorstep collection for textiles, and putting them in the general recycling bin could result in “contamination”- which would mean that nothing else in the bag can be recycled either.
And it goes without saying -shoes put in your general waste bin will end up in landfill.
BUYING NEW SHOES
When buying new shoes, it's important to think sustainably.
Do you really need three pairs of flip-flops for your next holiday? Or are last year’s sandals still in great condition? Reducing the amount we choose to buy new is the best way to slow down our impact. And when you do need a new pair, consider buying pre-loved from a reputable shop (like Reskinned!).
When buying brand new shoes, look for recycled materials or biodegradable materials (which will break down over time once you've finished wearing your shoes). Start asking questions and looking at the way brands manufacture - if they do anything eco-friendly you can bet they'll be shouting about it.
Some companies have started making shoes with water-based glues instead of toxic chemicals, and others opt for sustainable energy sources in their manufacturing to limit the effect they have on the environment. There are great innovative solutions to shoe waste happening all the time, and eco-conscious brands Bukuk and Nootka are making shoes that can actually go in your compost heap once they’re well worn.
If you're looking for shoes to wear to a single event, it might be worthwhile to check out a fashion rental company to borrow a pair for the night - Cinderella who?
SELLING YOUR OLD SHOES ONLINE
Those shoes you've fallen out of love with could become someone else's favourite pair.
The boots that give you a blister every time, or the gym shoes that haven't graced a gym for ten years? They could see a brilliant new home with someone who will give them the love and wear they deserve. Using an online platform to sell your old shoes (that are in good condition) could be an easy way to make some extra cash while you're clearing out your wardrobe.
MENDING AND REPAIRING YOUR OLD SHOES
A broken heel or peeling sole doesn't always mean the end for a pair of shoes. Get acquainted with your local cobbler to check how much it costs for different kind repairs. You'll be surprised how much they're able to do, and for some very reasonable prices.
You might even be able to give old kicks a new lease of life with strong glue, special cleaning solutions or specialist coloured paints and lacquers to hide scuffs (and a matching nail polish has been known to do wonders for hiding marks on patent shoes).
Don't underestimate the power of dish detergent and a bucket of warm soapy water for brightening up an old pair of trainers or canvas shoes that seem like they've seen better days. You might want to risk the washing machine with fabric-based shoes, but be warned - I once ended up with three pairs of shoes with completely detached soles after a misguided hot wash that was meant brighten them up.
UPCYCLING OLD SHOES
You don't have to be creative to give old shoes a new lease of life. Try using paint pens or fabric paint to brighten up an old pair, and unleash your individual flair. Cotton pumps can be embroidered, and scraps of fabric can be sewn over rips and tears to create a fun patchwork effect.
And strappy heels are some of our favourite to jazz up with ribbons and trims. That's right, we're giving you full permission to go rogue in your local haberdashery or thrift store, and get your glue gun at the ready. You'll be amazed at what even the least crafty of us can do.
One of our favourite ways to match shoes to a dress or outfit for a special occasion is to wrap ribbon around the ankle strap in a matching colour to the outfit. It can be easily removed and replicated for the next event, and the compliments will feel even more sweet when you get to tell people you've done it yourself.
And if you’re feeling uber-crafty, you could even transform your old shoes into something new. Kids will love turning their outgrown wellies into herb-holders for the garden.
SWAPPING OLD SHOES
If the shoes you want to get rid of are still in good condition, it could be fun to arrange a shoe-swap with friends. Get together with your stylish pals (make sure to invite the ones who shop until they drop) and ask them to bring the shoes they don't wear any more.
You'll have a laugh trying on some of the more outlandish purchases, and could even end up walking away in a brand new pair of shoes - completely free!
WHY SHOULD YOU DISPOSE OF SHOES RESPONSIBLY?
The environmental impact of the footwear industry is huge, and shoes can last anything between 30 and 80 years in landfill. That's a lot of space taken up by old shoes and boots. According to EPA, 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to the footwear industry, so it's safe to say it's a significant problem.
Most of the pollution is coming from the manufacturing and extraction of the raw materials, so choosing to buy pre-loved is a great way to keep perfectly good shoes in circulation, and avoid adding to the problem.
DUNE X RESKINNED:
SEND US YOUR OLD, PRE-LOVED DUNE SHOES AND WE'LL SWAP YOU FOR A VOUCHER
Send us your old shoes from Dune and we'll give you a voucher of up to £40 to spend on brand new shoes on their website.
We accept any pair of shoes, in any condition, so there's no excuse for sneakers to sneak into the rubbish bin. From athletic shoes to everyday boots to dress shoes, we're taking them all, and we'll recondition or recycle them.
KICKERS X RESKINNED:
SEND US YOUR OLD, PRE-LOVED KICKERS AND GET REWARDED
Give your Kickers new life with Reskinned! Although Kickers make durable footwear to last, we understand that your style or shoe size can change. So why not trade in your pre-loved Kickers – whether they're in mint condition or loved to death – and you'll receive online credit to spend at Kickers.co.uk (up to £20 redeemable against a minimum spend of £60).
The best news is that Reskinned will either recondition or recycle your shoes so that nothing gets sent to landfill. This is just the next step in your shoe's journey.
And yes, those beat-up school shoes are welcome too.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SHOES THAT I SEND BACK?
We'll sort everything by hand. Shoes in good condition will be kept aside for resale. Unwanted shoes that need a bit of TLC will be repaired. Old shoes that really can't be saved will be recycled at our own recycling centre. It takes time as each material needs to be separated and recycled in their own way. That means physically pulling the shoes apart by hand. Look, it's not the most glamorous of jobs, but we'll never skip corners because we stand firmly by our 0% to landfill policy.
OUR FINAL THOUGHTS ON YOUR OLD KICKS
Okay Carrie Bradshaw, we hear you, and we appreciate that sometimes you can't beat at least one pair of new shoes to give you that confidence boost.
We want you to feel good, which is why we've made it our mission to provide you with pre-loved shoes that feel fresh as new. Our ozone cleansing removes the fear of any unwanted smells by targeting and permanently removing all odour particles from the shoes we receive. And our amazing in-house repairs team are working their magic on making pre-loved ready to love again.
If you're in clear-out mode, find out how to dispose of old underwear sustainably, and what to do with your old clothes in some of our favourite posts.
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