What to do with old runners.

aceygray

I'm just wondering what people do with their old running shoes. Like most, I go through 2-3 pairs per year. The old ones are no good for running in any more, obviously the cushioning/gel is worn out. But the uppers are still fine, and they're ok for walking in.

I keep one pair for muddy walks etc, but not sure what to do with the rest? It seems a waste to throw them in the bin, but they're just gathering dust in my wardrobe.

Do charity shops want old (but clean) runners? Any other ideas?

hot buttered scones

Mostly the same as yourself, they become my everyday shoes. I have "unretired" a pair at the moment for running on grass or soft surfaces where its muddy because I reckon it doesn't really mater if the cushioning is worn out. Some go into the attic as mementoes of particular races (e.g. first marathon). Mine wouldn't be in any fit state for a charity shop I reckon, but then again how knows?

Cabaal

I use the bad one's for gardening, washing car etc. If they don't have holes in them I'll wear them for general use day to day...depending on condition.

They only get retired from running when they hit between 600-1000miles,

Darkglasses

aceygray wrote: »

Do charity shops want old (but clean) runners? Any other ideas?

Hard to say without seeing them, you could just show them and ask them before giving them in. Charity shops get given a lot of unsaleable junk, which means a lot of costs for disposal, so they will appreciate that.

aceygray

Cabaal wrote: »

They only get retired from running when they hit between 600-1000miles,

Hmmm, see I replace mine much sooner than that, which is why I have such a build-up of "old" runners that look in ok condition.

I suppose I'll drop them down to the charity shop and see what they say.

footing

aceygray wrote: »

Hmmm, see I replace mine much sooner than that, which is why I have such a build-up of "old" runners that look in ok condition.

I suppose I'll drop them down to the charity shop and see what they say.

Eddie McDonagh of DSD brings old gear out to Ethiopia for the local athletes when he travels.

sconhome

There was a thread on here about 2 years ago about collecting old shoes for one of the homeless charities Islandbridge / Kilmainham area I can't recall the name right now.

We've collected footwear in the past for OTRA in Galway, a lot of these home charities can do with the help for distributing to those in need.

BeepBeep67

Yep, I've given mine (usually in good nick) to local charities, plus when I travel to India I'll bring a bag of gear and runners to a local running group near the office.

jebuz

I can't believe people are suggesting we donate old runners to charity shops or send them abroad. They might be old and slow but they're still people. The elderly are so poorly treated in this country and this is a prime example :mad:

sconhome

There's no one suggesting the donation of shoes as being disrespectful to people. It is reusing something that may have a second life purpose beyond that of a running life. Any shoes I've collected from people are clean, washed, no holes and in good condition for general use and anyone who received the footwear has been extremely grateful for the donation too.

rom

I organized with a running shop in Cork for a few years that they have a basket for such. I talked to Simon and they were glad to collect them as getting shoes in good condition for the homeless is often hard. I got very good feedback. I didn't do it last year as mad busy with work but its win win. A shop only has to dedicate a basket for it and it shows good will. It brings more footfall. The charity is only happen to get footwear in good condition as most shoes that are donated are fit for the bin. I just got it advertised on a few running sites and it all worked out fine. It was my hope that the shop would take on my role as I was only involved from the idea side of it.

ronn

footing wrote: »

Eddie McDonagh of DSD brings old gear out to Ethiopia for the local athletes when he travels.

I take the laces out and use them as slippers, more comfortable than a flat soled pair of slippers,

pgmcpq

jebuz wrote: »

I can't believe people are suggesting we donate old runners to charity shops or send them abroad. They might be old and slow but they're still people. The elderly are so poorly treated in this country and this is a prime example :mad:

To be fair, most programs ask for "gently used" ... which for many people would be at the point where they would have passed the optimum time for use in running. I dont think anyone proposed forcing the elderly into shoes with the soles hanging off ! Tbh, I cannot imaging my father in runners under any circumstances .

The really beat up shoes can be recycled e.g. for the soft surfaces used for kids playgrounds these days. I know Nike have a programme for this.

28064212

sconhome wrote: »

There's no one suggesting the donation of shoes as being disrespectful to people. It is reusing something that may have a second life purpose beyond that of a running life.

pgmcpq wrote: »

To be fair, most programs ask for "gently used" ... which for many people would be at the point where they would have passed the optimum time for use in running. I dont think anyone proposed forcing the elderly into shoes with the soles hanging off ! Tbh, I cannot imaging my father in runners under any circumstances .

bee06

I think he/she was making a joke about disposing of old runners aka elderly people who run rather than giving the elderly old running shoes.

sconhome

Yis are a weird bunch over here!

Went right over my head - conflicting lack of <magenta> or non-optimal use of smilies changed the tone of the post.

Re-reading through a pink screen filter and all makes sense now

Well played jebuz, well played. Got me.

cjt156

jebuz wrote: »

I can't believe people are suggesting we donate old runners to charity shops or send them abroad. They might be old and slow but they're still people. The elderly are so poorly treated in this country and this is a prime example :mad:

I always thought they were put out to stud once they stopped racing?

Those that haven't had medical issues, like that Far Side book of remedies ;

Broken leg; shoot
Lameness; shoot
Runny nose; shoot...

cjt156

Double post, grrr...