Giving a second life to your trail shoes

Whether repairing, collecting or recycling, local authorities, brands and associations are working together to design and implement solutions that make trail running and sport in general ever more eco-responsible. By consulting this article, you're sure to find the best solution for giving your trail shoes a second life.

‍

What to do with used or unused shoes?

1. If your shoes are too worn out, use the collection bins for either re-use or recycling.

Drop them off at a suitable collection point dedicated to reuse or recycling. They will then be sorted and, depending on their condition, may be :

• To be resold or redistributed via solidarity networks.
• Be recycled by competent infrastructures for reuse in the manufacture of new products.

You can also find out about free collection operations, which can take place either in specialized stores or at events (like the EcoTrail 2023, for example), and through organizations like RunCollect.

2. If your shoes are still in very good condition? Donate or try resale.

You can resell them or give them away through your personal network or an online ad site. Always offer a fair price, the idea being above all to be of service to someone who doesn't have the budget for something new.

How can you go further to reduce your ecological footprint?

If you're sensitive to the ecological impact of your trail running, you can also reduce your ecological footprint through simple gestures.

1. Taking care of your shoes

Taking care of your shoes (like the rest of your sports equipment) means keeping them in good condition for longer. Wash your running shoes when necessary (excessive mud or dirt). Don't dry your shoes in the sun or near a source of high heat, and store them in a dry, well-ventilated place.

2. Repair where possible

It's not always possible to repair a pair of trail shoes, but you can always ask an expert for advice. Gluing or resealing the sole is sometimes possible, as is repairing a tear or small hole in your shoe.

A repair will always cost you less than a new pair of shoes, and you'll avoid throwing away equipment that's still usable.

3. Reuse your shoes

In trail running, it is not advisable to run with a pair of shoes that are too old or worn out. The risk of injury increases with shoes that no longer have sufficient technical characteristics to filter out the impacts of running. If your shoes are no longer fit for training, they can often still be used as everyday shoes or for tinkering around the house. Just think about it!

Conclusion

Recycling, reuse, maintenance, special collections... Solutions to limit the ecological impact of trail shoes exist and, above all, are developing! At Salomon, we set ourselves the complex challenge of designing shoes that are entirely recyclable, while limiting the number of materials used. Launched a few years ago, the INDEX project is now bearing fruit with the release of the INDEX.02, which will perpetuate this eco-responsible saga.

And to find out more about all Salomon's responsible initiatives: https: //www.salomon.com/fr-fr/changing-tomorrow