What Should You Do With YOUR OLD RUNNING SHOES? A Sustainable Guide For Runners.

If you’re a regular runner, chances are you’re going through two or three pairs of running shoes every year—maybe more if you’re a running shoe obsessive like me. But once the cushioning is gone and the kilometres have piled up, you’re left with a familiar dilemma: what should you do with your old running shoes?

Throwing them in the bin might feel easy, but it’s far from harmless, most old running shoes end up in landfill, taking decades (sometimes centuries) to break down. Fortunately, there are far better options. From recycling programs to creative reuse ideas, my guide will show you how to dispose of your old running shoes the right way—without trashing the planet.

Quick Look.

Each year, over 24 billion shoes are produced globally, and most end up in landfill. In Australia alone, 25 million running shoes are imported annually, but fewer than 2% are recycled. That’s a huge environmental problem, and a massive missed opportunity.

This post breaks down practical, sustainable ways to deal with your old running shoes, whether they’re still wearable or completely worn out.

Fast Solutions If You’re in a Hurry:

• Still wearable? → Donate, sell, or swap them.
• Worn out but not wrecked? → Repair or repurpose them. We have some great ideas.
• Totally cooked? → Recycle them with a proper program like TreadLightly.
• Need a quick eco-win? → Keep them for garden jobs, muddy events, or DIY projects.

What You’ll Learn in This Post:

• Why shoe waste is such a serious issue, and what you can do about it.
• Creative ways to reuse or repurpose your old trainers at home.
• How to repair or sell shoes that still have life left in them.
• Where and how to donate shoes still in good condition.
• Recycling programs in Australia (and globally).
• Long-term habits and ideas to reduce shoe waste for good.
• Real-world tips that many runners haven’t heard before.
• FAQ’s with even more tips and ideas.

Read-on for the full guide, it’s packed with practical solutions, creative tips, and little-known ideas that can help you rethink what to do with your old running shoes.

Throwing your old running shoes in the bin is something none of us want to do, so if you are after some long-term eco-friendly options, this post has everything you need to make meaningful changes, and tread a little lighter on the planet.

Smarter Ways to Handle Your Old Runners.

Can’t bear to say goodbye to your trusty trainers? You’ve been through a lot together right? Good news, your old running shoes can live on in various practical and creative ways. Before you dispose of them, consider these eco-friendly ideas that give your trainers a second life.

Casual Use: Turn them into everyday kicks.

If your old running shoes still look decent and feel comfortable, why not downgrade them from running to walking? They make great everyday shoes for errands, casual strolls, or even housework.

Just be mindful not to rely on them solely if the soles are too worn, or if the midsole foam has degraded or lost its form. Running shoes are designed differently from casual footwear and can affect your posture if overused off-track. Mix them into your rotation with other shoe types for balance.

Event-Ready: Keep a pair for obstacle races or messy events.

Planning a mud run or obstacle race like Tough Mudder or True Grit? These are incredibly challenging and fun, but brutal on your running shoes.

You don’t want to drag your pristine new running kicks through miles of mud and subject them to all manner of outrageous (but fun) abuse. Leave them at home and break out your old running shoes instead. They’re perfect for situations where you know they’ll get trashed, and it beats ruining an expensive pair for a one-off event.

Garden Shoes: Perfect for outdoor chores.

Your old running shoes are perfect for the messier jobs of life, such as in the garden. Keep a pair tucked away in the shed for lawn mowing, weeding, or even washing the car.

If you’re in Australia—you know the routine, check to make sure that no redbacks🕷️, funnelwebs🕷️, scorpions 🦂, or any other potentially dangerous creatures 🐍, have taken up residence inside your shoes before you shove your feet into them.

Planter Shoes: DIY herb gardens in old trainers.

Here’s a novel idea—turn your old running shoes into quirky plant pots. Drill drainage holes in the sole, add a layer of stones, top with potting mix, and plant herbs or flowers. It’s a fun, sustainable twist that adds character to your garden.

Bird Feeders: Upcycle for backyard birds.

Attract the local birdlife into your garden by turning your old running shoes into bird feeders. Hang them from a tree by their laces or mount them to a post, fill with seed, and enjoy the flurry of colourful activity they bring to your backyard.

Mount them out of range of your stealthy moggy or any other neighbourhood cats.

DIY Door Stops: Add weight and reuse creatively.

Don’t toss those shoes, fill them! Add sand, pebbles, or even concrete to your old running shoes and transform them into quirky, functional doorstops. Want to match your interior style? Paint them or decorate them to suit your space.

Repair Before You Replace.

Your old running shoes may be approaching their run-by date, or looking a little worse-for-wear, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready for the bin. If they’ve clocked under 800 kilometres and are suffering from damage like tears or separation, a few simple fixes can give them a second wind, saving both money and landfill space.

Cobblers Still Exist: Professional repair options.

Believe it or not, shoe repair isn’t a lost art. Local cobblers or shoe repair places can often repair soles, reattach uppers, or fix stitching, which can breathe new life into old running shoes.

Services like Mister Minit, found in many Australian shopping centres, offer convenient, affordable repairs. Similar shoe repair/key-cutting kiosks are also widely available in shopping malls around the world. It’s a smart option for damage that’s beyond a simple DIY fix.

DIY Repairs: Simple fixes for tears and separation.

Got a ripped mesh upper from a trail run mishap? Or a sole starting to peel away? Is a hole wearing through the mesh upper? Don’t worry, there are some great products on the market specifically designed to help you repair your old running shoes at home:

• Shoe-Goo: A strong, clear-drying adhesive perfect for reattaching soles or patching worn spots. It’s a favourite among runners for good reason. Available worldwide in department store, running shoe retailers, and Amazon.
• Gorilla Glue – Waterproof and super tough, this is another reliable option, especially for outdoor wear and tear. Available in clear formulas and widely stocked around the world.

For uppers, mesh-repair kits or fabric patches can work wonders. There are even detailed YouTube video guides that show step-by-step repair techniques, ideal for anyone keen to extend the life of their gear.

TIP: Here’s a cool little hack—literally. If you’re using Shoe Goo or a similar adhesive to patch up your old running shoes, grab an ice cube. After applying the glue, use the edge of the ice cube to gently smooth it out. The cold prevents the glue from sticking to your fingers and gives your repair a clean, even finish. It’s a simple trick that makes your DIY fix look pro-level, without the mess.

Sell or Swap Them.

Just because your old running shoes are done with structured training doesn’t mean they’re done altogether. If they’re still in good condition with minimal wear, decent tread, and clean—they might be perfect for someone else. Selling or swapping is a great way to give them a second life and keep them out of landfill.

Online Marketplaces: Where to list your used runners.

There’s a solid secondhand market for quality sports gear, and your old running shoes could be just what someone’s looking for, especially beginners, budget-conscious runners, or those needing a backup pair.

Here are a few platforms worth checking out:

• Gumtree – Ideal for local listings in Australia. No fees, quick to post, and great for face-to-face pickups.
• eBay – One of the largest global platforms. List your runners with detailed descriptions, set a price, or use auctions.
• Facebook Marketplace – Great for fast, local sales. You can also join specific buy/sell groups for running gear in your area.
• Mercari – A user-friendly app popular in the U.S. and Japan. Great for gently worn shoes with flexible shipping options.
• Depop – An Instagram-style platform popular in the UK, Australia, and beyond. Great for runners looking for secondhand gear with a bit of personality.

Tip: Try keywords like used running shoes, barely worn, or trail runners size 9 for example, to improve search visibility.

These platforms are ideal for everyday runners who want to pass their shoes on to someone else, rather than sending them to landfill.

Tips for Resale: How to prep shoes for new owners.

If you want someone to buy your old running shoes, presentation matters. Here’s how to make them more appealing (and ethical) to sell:

• Give them a thorough clean: Inside and out. Use a gentle brush and mild soap, and make sure they’re fully dry before listing.
• Check for damage: Only sell shoes that are structurally sound and not past their safe running lifespan. Be honest in your listing.
• Include details: Brand, model, size, original retail price, number of kilometres run, and whether they’ve been used for road or trail.
• Tie the laces together before handing them off: It’s a small touch that keeps the pair from getting separated and shows the new owner (or recycler) that you’ve taken care with your old running shoes.

If you’re not looking to recoup some money, consider swapping your old running shoes instead. Some online groups and local running communities offer gear swap events or forums where runners trade shoes, clothing, and accessories. It’s a great way to pass along a pair that you no longer want to use and pick up something useful in return. Look for Facebook Groups, running clubs, or even Reddit threads where this kind of exchange happens regularly.

Selling or swapping your old running shoes is not only eco-friendly, it’s also a small way to help someone else get started or keep going. 

Donate to Someone in Need.

If you’re not interested in selling or swapping your old running shoes, donating them is one of the most impactful ways to extend their life. Many community organisations are more than happy to take shoes that are still in wearable condition.

Where to Donate.

Drop off your old running shoes, or any other sports gear in good condition to:

• Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul).
• The Salvation Army (Salvos).
• Local op shops or community aid centres

Shoes For Planet Earth is another great Australian program. This wonderful initiative is designed to collect shoes that are still in good condition and send them to communities that have a need for them, both here in Australia and around the world.

These organisations often distribute donated items directly to people in need or resell them to support social programs.

International Option: Organisations like Soles4Souls collect used shoes, both wearable and worn, for redistribution to people in need abroad. This reduces waste and helps communities internationally.

Whether you’re in Australia or elsewhere, donating your running gear is a simple act that can help someone stay active, get to work, or stay warm, all while also keeping your shoes out of landfill and in use where they’re needed most.

Donation Tips: Cleaning, bundling, and presentation.

Before you donate, give your old running shoes a bit of TLC:

• Clean them up: Remove dirt and debris from the soles, freshen the uppers with mild soap and a soft brush, and make sure they’re dry before packing them up.
• Tie the laces together: This keeps the pair connected and shows you’ve taken care.
• Stuff with newspaper or wrap in paper: Adds shape and keeps them looking neat.
• Avoid donating damaged or worn-out shoes: Only donate pairs still in good condition, with intact soles and no structural issues.

Taking the time to prepare your donation properly ensures your shoes are genuinely useful to someone else and aren’t just a burden for sorting teams.

We’ll dive deeper into how to properly clean your old running shoes a bit later in the post.

TIP: Toss in a Pair of Fresh Shoelaces. A cheap add-on but a huge presentation boost for your donated shoes is to add a new or clean set of laces. Recipients will appreciate the extra thoughtfulness!

Recycle Your Running Shoes.

Throwing old running shoes into landfill is not just a missed chance, it’s a waste of valuable materials that could be turned into something new. Thankfully, these days there are more recycling options than ever, many of which operate locally, nationally, or internationally.

Australia’s Official Initiatives: TreadLightly & Save Our Soles.

The TreadLightly program is powered by the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA)—the peak industry body representing sporting goods retailers, brands, and manufacturers across the country. ASGA works closely with brands and recyclers to create national solutions that keep old running shoes out of landfill and put them back into use in sustainable ways.

TreadLightly works in partnership with Save Our Soles (SOS)—a Melbourne-based recycler that processes the collected shoes into products like gym mats, retail floors, playground surfaces, and insulation. They shred the shoes and blend materials like rubber, foam, leather, textiles, and even metal bits into new industrial-grade materials.

Look for collection points in major retailers like Rebel, Sportspower, Athletes Foot, and partner stores.

USA-Based Recycling Option: Nike Reuse‑A‑Shoe.

Nike’s Reuse‑A‑Shoe program is one of the longest-running athletic shoe recycling initiatives in the world, but it is currently only available at participating Nike retail stores in the United States.

Through this program, worn-out athletic shoes (of any brand) are collected and processed into Nike Grind—a material made from shredded rubber, foam, and textiles. Nike Grind is then used in building sports courts, gym floors, running tracks, and even new product components like zippers and buttons.

Nike’s Reuse‑A‑Shoe program is mostly active in the U.S., with drop-off bins in select stores. If you’re outside the States, it’s worth checking with your local Nike store—some accept old runners, but it’s not a sure thing. Mail-in options are also limited, so a quick call or online check will save you a trip.

Other Recycling Choices & Local Initiatives.

• Upparel (Australia): Accepts shoes (and textiles) in any condition. Wearable items go to charity; unusable materials are recycled. You can mail them in via a prepaid box model (order online) and may even receive a retail voucher in return.
• Local council or community recycling events: Many regions now run textile and shoe recycling drop-off days. Check your local government or recycling centre for opportunities in your area.

Fact: Over 95% of old athletic shoes end up in landfill. Each year, billions of shoes are discarded globally, and around 95% of them go straight to landfill, where they can take centuries to break down. Less than 5% are recycled. Every pair we divert makes a real difference, we should all do our bit to help change this situation.

Cleaning Guide: Prep Your Shoes for Their Next Life.

Before your old running shoes head off to a new home, whether it’s through resale, donation, or recycling—give them a proper clean. It not only helps them last longer but also shows respect for the next person (or process) taking them on.

Step-by-step shoe cleaning advice.

You already know the basics—brush off dirt, hand-clean with soap, rinse gently, and air dry. But here’s a deeper dive:

1. Remove laces and insoles for separate cleaning.
2. Dry brush to remove gritty buildup from uppers and soles.
3. Soak in warm water mixed with mild detergent for up to an hour.
4. Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth.
5. Rinse thoroughly, until water is clear.
6. Air dry naturally, without intense heat.
7. Wash laces and insoles separately; let them dry fully before reassembly.

Immersing Your Shoes: Is It Safe?

To immerse or not to immerse? Many runners swear by full immersion for a deep clean, and in most cases it can be fine, depending on the materials:

• Brands like Adidas, for example, recommend washing shoes in warm water with a mild detergent, as part of their official cleaning guide. However, they don’t recommend machine washing.
• On Reddit, users report that cold-water machine washes (gentle cycles, no heat) have caused ‘zero issues‘ for years on running shoes.

But proceed with care:

• Avoid hot water, prolonged agitation, or machine drying as these can damage adhesives and foam cushioning.
• Brands like HOKA explicitly advise against machine washing for many performance shoes, they prefer cold, mild washing by hand.
• Check the brands website for cleaning advice before immersing your shoes to make sure it’s safe.

Bottom line: Full immersion in cold or warm water is generally safe, especially when brushing by hand. But avoid hot water, vigorous mechanical agitation, and never put soaked shoes into a dryer. In my experience, hand-washing my running shoes in a tub of warm soapy water, and allowing them to air dry naturally, has worked really well for me. It gets them properly clean, and I’ve never had any issues with damage, colour running, or premature wear from cleaning them this way.

Why cleaning matters for resale, donation, or recycling.

• Resale: Clean shoes always sell faster and get better prices.
• Donation: Many charities reject overly dirty items, clean shoes are more likely to be accepted.
• Recycling: Programs may reject heavily soiled shoes, clean pairs pass through sorting and processing more easily.

Clean shoes provide dignity to the next user or processing chain, making your act of reuse or recycling even more impactful.

TIP: Try a Sneaker Laundry Bag for Safe Machine Washing. Want to try cleaning your shoes in the washing machine but worried about damage? A sneaker laundry bag could be the answer you need. These zip-up mesh bags are designed to cushion your shoes during the wash cycle, reduce banging around in the drum, and prevent laces from tangling or snagging. Just pop your running shoes inside, zip it up, and wash.

Reduce Waste: Long-Term Habits That Help.

Recycling or donating your old running shoes is a great step, but reducing waste starts even earlier. Here are a few smart habits you can build into your running life to reduce how often shoes hit an early run-by date.

Extend Shoe Lifespan: Rotate pairs, let foam recover.

One of the simplest ways to extend the life of your running shoes is to rotate between multiple pairs. By alternating shoes between runs, especially if you’re running frequently, you give the midsole foam time to decompress and recover its cushioning properties.

Foam that’s allowed to spring back between sessions lasts longer, maintains its support and shape, and saves you from having to replace your shoes prematurely. Two to three pairs in rotation can stretch your shoe’s lifespan and reduce wear-and-tear from back-to-back workouts.

I always recommend rotating between different types of running shoes in any case, not just to extend their lifespan, but also to match the right shoe to the right session. You might have a lower stacked or plated pair for speed workouts, and something more cushioned for long runs. Beyond performance, this kind of variation can be better for your feet too. Relying on a single shoe type all the time can subtly alter your gait or biomechanics, which may lead to overuse issues down the track.

Buy Recycled: Products made from repurposed materials.

Another smart way to reduce waste is to choose running shoes made with recycled or sustainable materials. Many brands including big names like Saucony, Adidas, Nike, and On Running now offer models that incorporate recycled plastics, bio-based foams, or repurposed rubber.

For example, in my recent test of the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, I found that Saucony has incorporated recycled materials into several components of the shoe.

It’s a simple switch that supports innovation and helps reduce the environmental footprint of your next pair.

Choose Quality Over Quantity: Fewer, longer-lasting purchases.

Buying cheap running shoes every few months might seem like a money-saver, but it’s often a false economy. Lower-cost shoes are usually made with cheaper materials that wear out faster, meaning more frequent replacements. A smarter move is to invest in well-made shoes designed to go the distance. Quality models offer better durability, more advanced cushioning, and sturdier construction, which means they’ll last longer and perform better over time.

Spending a little more upfront can save money (and waste) in the long run, especially if you combine quality with good care and shoe rotation. Plus, fewer purchases mean fewer shoes heading to landfill over time. It’s a win for your feet, your wallet, and the planet.

TIP: Untie Your Laces Before Removing Shoes. Sometimes it’s tempting to quickly rip those shoes off after a solid workout without uniting the laces first. But, avoid routinely doing that, and untie them first, it’s a small habit that saves big. Loosening laces prevents unnecessary stretching of the shoe’s upper, and it preserves shape and support in the heel area as well.

Final Thoughts: Doing Your Bit for the Planet.

So, what should you do with your old running shoes?

The good news is, you’ve got options—plenty of them. Whether it’s repurposing them around the house, donating them to someone in need, reselling or swapping them, or sending them to be properly recycled, there’s no reason they should end up in the bin.

As runners, many of us go through two or more pairs of shoes each year. That’s a lot of potential waste, but also a lot of opportunity. With recycling programs like TreadLightly in Australia and others around the world, along with smart habits like shoe rotation and choosing quality gear, we can each play a small part in reducing landfill and supporting sustainability.

Just remember: don’t throw your shoes in the household recycling bin, they’ll only be sorted out and sent to landfill. Instead, take a few minutes to clean them, tie them together, and send them off to a better second life.

Recycling, reusing, and reducing is more than just eco-friendly, it feels good to know you’re making a difference.

Got your own clever use for old runners? I’d love to hear it, drop your ideas in the comments below.

Run Strong

Steve

FAQ’s: What Should You Do With Your Old Running Shoes.

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This article is for information purposes only and is not a recommendation to act on any of its content. It is always recommended you consult your healthcare practitioner before engaging in any activity that may affect your health.

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