Most of us have a pile of shoes we no longer wear. Before they hit the bin, here are better options — and how to buy in a way that creates less of that pile in future.
What to do with old shoes
- Donate wearable pairs to charities or shoe banks.
- Recycle worn-out shoes through footwear recycling schemes where available.
- Repurpose — old sandals can become garden or beach shoes.
Why it matters
Footwear is hard to recycle and a lot ends up in landfill. Keeping shoes in use longer — and buying fewer, better pairs — is the simplest way to cut waste.
Buy in a way that creates less waste
This is the thinking behind a modular sandal: keep one durable base and swap a lightweight top when you want a new look, instead of replacing whole pairs. See our sustainable footwear guide · build your set.
FAQ
Can sandals be recycled? Some can via dedicated schemes; donate wearable ones first.
How do I buy less? Choose versatile, durable styles you'll wear often. See the bases →