What to do with old running shoes?

I was going to post this in the running thread, but thought a wider audience may work.

I get through running shoes quite quickly, normally replacing them at around 350 miles of usage. At this point they generally look fine, with some wear on the sole, but the cushioning or support has just started to go. This means I currently have quite a few pairs of runners in good condition, definitely not at the end of their life, but not perfect.

I give some to my Dad, but his wardrobe is now full, I keep the odd pair for casual use or garden usage but I’m already developing a backlog.

So dear STW, does anyone know of any charities or organisations that would want them? I could take them down to my local charity shop but my instinct is there may be someone who can use them better than that.

My local running shop (Up and Running) have a box in the back to recycle shoes. Most running shops I’ve been in do.

Use them as plant pots or camping drink holders.

Shoe tree?

How do you know the support has gone?

I thought I’d the same issue, turned out to be shinsplints…I now run mid-strike (and stretch more) and it doesn’t seem an issue.

How do you know the support has gone?

They feel different (less bouncy, less supportive) to new shoes.
I pick up niggles more regularly when I wear them.
They aren’t quite as comfortable.

They make excellent drinking vessels.

Same issue here, I only buy running shoes that look decent now, as I’ll be wearing them out n about after they’re no good for running!.

I also commute in them, with flat pedals, and of I’m buggering about the local jump spot, wear them there too.

Charity shop?

Homeless shelters and aid requests

If your near bolton I have a friend who collects shoes and distributes them to charities

They feel different (less bouncy, less supportive) to new shoes.
I pick up niggles more regularly when I wear them.
They aren’t quite as comfortable.

INteresting, are you a heel-striker?

Interesting, are you a heel-striker?

Nope, a very neutral mid-foot striker. My technique is by no means perfect but it’s not horrific, maybe I’m just overly sensitive to how the shoe feels, no idea.

Similar to you I also tend to start getting niggles once my shoes get to around 400 miles and beyond.
My old ones get relegated to fitness boot camp classes, spare pair for muddy runs and general casual use.

Telegraph lines?

Hi
Mine (Asics) tend to wear out tread first. Have you tried a different brand or after market footbed to get some more life?
Though, I’ve got a similar issue with bike chains!

Even with a good gait, 400 miles is around a half million strides. Not surprised they wear out!

I go with charity shops, myself

Mine (Asics) tend to wear out tread first. Have you tried a different brand or after market footbed to get some more life?

Tried a few different brands, Asics feel “different” at circa 250 miles, Nike over 300.

My old ones get relegated to fitness boot camp classes, spare pair for muddy runs and general casual use.

The thing is, I already have a muddy pair, a casual pair, a messing around in the park pair and a wear them to volunteer at parkrun pair. I’m struggling to think of any more niches to use them for.

Oddly, did 5 miles in a pair of Nike Pegasus this morning and thought they felt a wee bit odd. Then got an e-mail from Strava telling me they’d done 300 miles. They look in great condition still, I’d have guessed at 150 miles if pushed, so was somewhat suprised.

Sell them on eBay as a gay fetish item? It happens…

New shoes on the right, exact same model after 500 miles on the left.

Fairly obvious that they need replaced to me.

What size feet are you? I could do with a pair of general knocking about, dog walking type trainers…

Sorry just seen this @IHN. UK 12, let me know if you want any.

Nope, a very neutral mid-foot striker. My technique is by no means perfect but it’s not horrific, maybe I’m just overly sensitive to how the shoe feels, no idea.

It’s down to EVA, which is the cushioning that most running shoes use. It basically deforms with use and loses its springiness. If you use it for long enough, you’ll see the midsole start to develop ripples and creases. It’s why running shoes have a finite life.

PU cushioning is much more durable, but heavier and less springy. Ecco made a trail running shoe with a PU midsole, but it felt really harsh and slappy compared to an EVA-based shoe.

Anyway… curious, what happens to the shoes handed in to recycling bins in running shops?

To answer my own question, apparently rubber can be melted down and re-used, foam cushioning can form the basis for basketball courts and similar.

@IHN. UK 12, let me know if you want any

Cheers fella, but I have normal sized feet. Maybe there’s a home for retired clowns that might take them 😉