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Running Gear: What do you do with all your old shoes?

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  1.  
    Peacemaker636
    I'm a fairly light, seasonal runner.  I started actually running a year ago, then did swimming this most recent winter.  Now that I'm running again, I got a new pair of shoes.  Ok, so that's all good...but what do I do with the old pair?  They are still in pretty good condition.  What do you guys do?  Do you just throw them away?  Is there a recycling program?  Can you give them to charity?  I know a lot of you burn through shoes pretty quickly, so what do you do with all your old pairs?
    • CommentAuthorFree Membercfinger
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2009
     
    cfinger
    If you're in or around Austin, Texas, you can go to RunTex and get a 10% discount on you new shoes for trading in your old ones.  They donate the old shoes to local charities.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdwmyer
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2009
     
    dwmyer

    I save mine for my everyday, walking around, mowing the yard, etc. shoes.  I also try to save a pair for running on the trails when it gets really muddy (doesn't happen often in Southern California).  Lots of running stores will take them for charity or recyling and if there is a Nike store in your area they have a recylcing program.  

  4.  
    rpetreccajr
    Check in at the next running expo for your nearest big race. I got a flyer for a charity that takes shoes at the expo for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon last May. Unfortunately I don't remember the namne of the org. Local running stores are a good place to ask as well. The store I got my last pair of shoes at collected for the charity whose name I can't remember. I think it was a national charity, but can't be sure.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberclaytman
    • CommentTimeMar 15th 2009
     
    claytman

    Insulate the house? Tie them together and build a boat?

    Just kidding. I do go through dozens of shoes a year and I keep a pair around for the garden, 1 pair around for next winter's 'screw shoes', and the rest go to Goodwill.

    I ran in an endurance relay last fall that collected like 600 pairs for a group called "Soles 4 Souls" ( http://www.soles4souls.org/ ).

     

  6.  
    the_rainmaker

    Hey Peacemaker, how many miles have you up on your old shoes? Depending on your weight and usage , you can get up to 500 miles out of a pair of shoes.

     If they are still in good condition keep using them, alternate using them with your new shoes.

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberLostsheep
    • CommentTimeMar 16th 2009
     
    Lostsheep

    Our shoe shop will knock 10% of the next shoes if you donate an old pair. They donate them to charity too.

    I usually keep a pair on hand as my work shoes around the yard and whatnot.

  8.  
    Peacemaker636

    rainmaker they are too worn out.  They were causing injury.

     

    I'll see about getting 10% off by donating them to the local running store, thanks!

    • CommentAuthorFree Membergoddessrfl
    • CommentTimeJun 30th 2009
     
    goddessrfl
    Nike has a great program for recycling old shoes.  You can mail your old athletic shoes into a Nike Recycling Center and they will use the materials to create sports surfaces like a track, a basketball court or a playground..  Check it out at www.nikereuseashoe.com!
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberhubergal
    • CommentTimeJul 1st 2009
     
    hubergal
    Most of the locally-owned running stores in the Atlanta accept old running shoes in return for a 10% discount. I'd call around to stores in your town to see if any of them have a similar deal. Luck!
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberardydub
    • CommentTimeJul 2nd 2009
     
    ardydub

    Old shoes?? Its been over five years since I even HAD an old pair of shoes. You see, I chucked my old shoes and never replaced them. I became a barefoot runner in 2003 for its many health and enjoyment reasons. I don't need to "donate" money to businesses for their useless products that only cause damage to my joints, tendons and muscles! I'm injury-free, wealthier and freer than I ever was before. Plus, a whole lot happier.

    Ryan, Vancouver, Washington

     

  12.  
    rpetreccajr
    So, Ryan (and any other barefoot runners out there), what do you do in sub-zero (F) weather?
  13.  
    Peacemaker636

    Incidentally Ryan, that's why I started this thread Laughing

     

    I too started barefoot running and will never go back (except during track season when the coaches/my parents make me).  I just didn't want my old shoes to clog up a landfill somewhere Smile

    • CommentAuthorFree Membersuge27
    • CommentTimeJul 5th 2009
     
    suge27

    I donate my "old" shoes to a men's shelter near our church Smile.

    • CommentAuthorFree Membersbr703
    • CommentTimeJul 5th 2009
     
    sbr703
    I use Nike's Reuseashoe. Just drop them off at the nearest Nike store.
  16.  
    twilighthours

    Someone mentioned it already, I think: turn those old runners into screw shoes. 

    How else can you run trails in the winter?

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberleezer
    • CommentTimeJul 20th 2009
     
    leezer
    rpetreccajr:So, Ryan (and any other barefoot runners out there), what do you do in sub-zero (F) weather?

     Not really an issue.  For the same reason you don't wear a parka during the winter while running.  I'm not entirely sure of the medical science behind it but if you don't stop, you don't freeze. Heh, on my end at least.

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