What does everyone do with their old shoes? I usually end up throwing them away, but it seems like there should be a better way to dispose of them. Are there any recycling programs or donation programs that people know about? What is the best way to get rid of them?
Definitely don't throw them away. At the very least, give them to the Purple Heart or Good Will. Even the local running store might have a donation program set up.
Nike has a program where they turn the soles into running tracks in low income areas or something. I just gave mine to my kids school, they are going to make a playground.
Nashville-based Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of footwear, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has donated more than 3 million pairs of shoes since its inception (one pair of shoes every 28 seconds). The charity was recently featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Shoe companies, retailers and individuals can donate both new and "gently worn" footwear. Soles 4 Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. For more information about Soles4Souls, please call (866) 521-SHOE, or visit http://www.giveshoes.org or http://www.soles4souls.org.