The first thing I think about when someone mentions shoes is Imelda Marcos, the former Philippine First Lady. She had approximately 3000 pairs, and I believe she wore them only once. Imagine all the people she could have helped out if she had just worn them once and then donated them somewhere.
It’s not like there aren’t places that wouldn’t take them either, because in many places, both in America and abroad, people desperately need shoes. Take the organization called One World Running. They take donated shoes that are in good shape and make sure they go to places like Africa, Haiti and Central America. Some of these places are so poverty stricken that people never have the luxury of wearing shoes for their lifetime! This is exactly the reason for One World Running.
If you want to get involved in another great charity for donated shoes, consider Soles4Souls. Reality star Kim Kardashian is heavily involved with this organization, and there are many shoe stores that participate in this worthwhile charity. You can go to the online site, punch in a zip code, and they will come up with a ton of places for you to drop off your used shoes. If you happen to see Ms. Kardashian, tell her The Green Guy says, “Hi!”
Nike Reuse a Shoe is a bit different in scope. They will take your old and worn-out athletic shoes at any Nike store and recycle them for use in new shoes. If your shoes are junk and are not even worth donating to another organization, Nike will take them. No muss, no fuss, it doesn’t matter how beat up, torn up, dog eaten or destroyed they are. Nike will recycle the entire shoe.
Places all over the US and the world will be glad to take old shoes off of your feet, and get them back on to someone else’s feet. This information is sponsored by Run the Planet, has incredibly good sources for all types of used shoes.
Of course, getting a little bit closer to home, many resale shops in and around your neighborhood will take your old but good used shoes, and they will resell them for pennies on the dollar, getting them back on to someone’s feet.
Another good starting point is your Chamber of Commerce. They will know of any area business that may have a donation or recycling program for used shoes, and what they don’t know, they can generally find out. Because Action speaks louder than words, donate those old shoes that have been sitting around taking up space in your closet. A lot of bare feet will be happy when you do!
