It’s a commonly asked question - when your running shoes have lost their spring, and you need a new pair, what do you do with the old ones? Of course, you can just keep them for doing gardening, or other messy activities, in. But if you don’t have the space, then you’ll probably want to either recycle or pass them on. Certainly, being a virtuous (but never smug) Guardian reader, you wouldn’t think of sending them to landfill, would you?
Depending on their condition - and their stock levels - your local charity shops may accept them. If they (the shoes, not the runners) are still in good nick then female runners could donate to A Mile In Her Shoes, who also always need good quality running clothing.
But if you fancy donating or recyling an old pair, and quite like the idea of getting something back in return, then head to Runners Need. Their #recyclemyrun campaign has just launched, and anyone bringing in a pair of old trainers will get a £20 voucher off their next pair in return.
The campaign is running for a month, until November 2016, but it’s worth pointing out that the actual recycling/donating facility will stay in stores so you can always drop off your old pairs there. Donated shoes will be collected by the European Recycling Company (ERC) - ones in good condition will be sent on to countries with a need for affordable footwear, and those too far gone will be recycled.
More info and store locations at runnersneed.com
Runners not in the UK - sorry! - but please feel free to share local info on where you recycle or donate your own shoes below the line.
