Old shoes can often be reused or recycled, but the right choice depends on their condition.
If they’re wearable, you can sell, give away, or donate them after someone agrees to take them.
Worn-out pairs may fit a retailer or textile recycling program, while wet, moldy, or infested shoes aren’t suitable for donation.
Ask your local waste or household hazardous waste program about shoes contaminated with chemicals, oil, blood, or an unknown substance.
Five Ways to Move Old Shoes On
1. Repair the Pair You Still Want
A cobbler may be able to replace the heels, soles, eyelets, or stitching on a well-made pair.
Ask for the price before you approve the work.
Don’t glue or sew through the shoe if you can’t avoid sharp hardware, a damaged safety toe, or contaminated material.
2. Sell Shoes That Are Still Wearable
Clean the pair according to its care label.
Photograph the soles, insides, size label, and any flaws so a buyer can judge the condition.
Mention odors, missing insoles, uneven wear, and any repairs.
Don’t market athletic shoes with compressed cushioning or work shoes with damaged safety features as ready for demanding use.
3. Give Them to Someone Directly
Neighborhood groups and clothing swaps work well because the next person can decide whether the size and condition suit them.
Tie or band each pair together without damaging the shoes.
A specialist program may have a use for single shoes, but check before you put them in a collection bin.
4. Donate Wearable Shoes
EPA says you can donate gently worn shoes.
Call the specific charity shop or shelter and ask whether it accepts damaged pairs before you go.
Only donate clean, dry pairs with usable soles and fasteners.
Don’t assume the charity can recycle every shoe it can’t sell.
5. Use a Confirmed Shoe or Textile Recycling Program
Some retailers and city textile programs collect footwear.
Their rules can differ for sandals, boots, cleats, leather, mixed materials, single shoes, and badly worn pairs.
Check the current list, location, fee, and whether your shoes must be dry and paired.
Leave buckles, soles, and safety parts attached unless the program asks you to remove them.
Pairs That Should Not Be Donated
- Shoes wet with sewage, chemicals, oil, blood, or another hazardous material
- Moldy or pest-infested shoes
- Work shoes with failed safety toes, puncture plates, electrical protection, or slip resistance
- Shoes so badly damaged that walking in them would be unsafe
Seattle’s Threadcycle program takes many worn textiles but excludes wet, mildewed, and hazardous-material-soiled items.
That’s Seattle’s rule.
When a pair can’t be reused, follow the instructions from your own waste department.
Do Shoes Go in Curbside Recycling?
Don’t put shoes in curbside recycling just because they contain rubber, foam, fabric, leather, or plastic.
Shoes combine several materials and need a program designed to handle them.
EPA notes that some retail stores recycle shoes, so check with the store near you.
If no reuse or specialist program will take the pair, ask your local waste department whether it belongs in household trash.
Before Using a Collection Bin
Look for the operator’s name, contact details, and list of accepted items.
A legitimate collection bin should clearly identify who manages it.
Don’t leave your bag beside a full bin.
Keep the shoes dry, pair them, and follow any bagging instructions.
For a larger closet clear-out, see the site’s guide to disposing of old clothes.