Whether you’ve outgrown your favourite pair or you’re just making space for something new, parting ways with your sneakers doesn’t have to mean sending them straight to the trash. From donating to reselling, there are plenty of smart, sustainable ways to give your sneakers a second life.

Image Source Pixabay

What Do You Do with Used Sneakers?

Before tossing them out, consider these options:

Reuse

If your sneakers are still wearable but a bit worn out, consider giving them a second life. Use them as your go-to pair for the gym, gardening, or messy DIY projects. Some brands even offer refurbishment or customisation services to help extend their life.

Recycle

Sneakers that are too damaged to wear can often be recycled. Look for programs like: Crocs Recycling program, where customers will receive a 10% discount on their next purchase. Karhu Renewed, where shoes are returned and refurbished for resale.

Make sure they’re clean and dry before dropping them off!

Image Source Nur Yilmaz

Donate

If your sneakers still have life left in them, consider donating. Many organizations accept gently used shoes, you can look out for local shelters or collection points to donate your shoes to someone in need. You can also donate to the following organizations:

Soles4Souls: Distributes shoes globally to people in need.

The Salvation Army or local shelters: Always in need of footwear, especially athletic shoes.

Sneaker Impact: Collects used sneakers and ships them to underserved communities.

How Do I Sell My Second-Hand Sneakers?

Before listing your sneakers for sale, take the time to clean them thoroughly and prepare them for photos. Capture images from multiple angles in good lighting, and include the original packaging if available—it can increase both interest and resale value.

Image source Cottonbro Studio

If your sneakers are in excellent condition, consider selling them through specialized sneaker resale platforms for the best return.

Sneaker Resale platforms

You can sell your lightly worn or new sneakers on trusted resale platforms like StockX, Klekt, and Woovin for example. These marketplaces are ideal for sneakerheads and collectors looking for verified products, and they often offer authentication services to ensure product legitimacy.

When creating your listing, be detailed. Include key information such as brand, model, size, condition, and year of release. Mention any wear, marks, or unique features that may not be visible in the photos. Clear, high-quality images from different angles, along with the original box or tags (if available), can significantly increase your chances of a successful sale.

Online Marketplaces

If your sneakers are gently worn and still have life left in them, consider reselling through platforms like Vinted, eBay, or even your personal Instagram. Depop is another popular option, especially among Gen Z, for second-hand fashion and footwear.

WEAR Store NL

Based in the Netherlands, WEAR Store is rethinking the sneaker life cycle. They collect lightly worn sneakers, clean and refurbish them—often replacing the insoles—and resell them through their online platform. By doing so, WEAR helps reduce footwear waste and promotes the value of buying high-quality, second-hand sneakers.

In Short

Whether you recycle, donate, or resell your sneakers, each step helps keep wearable goods out of landfills and in circulation. It’s a small act with a big impact. And who knows? Your once-loved sneakers could be someone else’s perfect pair.

Have a great pair to sell or donate? Clean them up and get started—your sneakers deserve a second chance!