What to do with old climbing shoes?

Climbing shoes are an essential piece of gear for any climber, but eventually, even the best pair of shoes will need to be replaced. When this happens, it’s important to consider what to do with your old shoes.

In this article, we’ll explore some options for what to do with old climbing shoes, including donating or selling them, repurposing them, and recycling them

What you should do with old climbing shoes?

If you have old climbing shoes that you no longer use or they are too worn out for climbing, here are a few options for what you can do with them:

1. Donate or sell them
2. Repurpose them for other activities
3. Recycle the materials
4. Use them for display or decoration
5. Keep them as backups or for specific purposes

Donating or Selling Old Climbing Shoes

One option for what to do with old climbing shoes is to donate or sell them. There are a number of charities and organizations that accept used shoes, such as Soles4Souls and The Shoe That Grows.

These organizations provide shoes to people in need, both domestically and internationally. Another option is to sell your old climbing shoes online.

There are a number of online marketplaces, such as eBay and Craigslist, where you can list your used gear for sale. This can be a great way to recoup some of the cost of your new shoes and make sure your old shoes go to a good home.

Repurposing Old Climbing Shoes

Another option for what to do with old climbing shoes is to repurpose them. There are many creative ways to repurpose old climbing shoes, such as turning them into planters or keychains.

These projects can be a fun and unique way to give your old shoes a new purpose. When repurposing old climbing shoes, it’s important to make sure they are clean and in good condition before starting a project.

Removing any dirt and grime, and patching up any holes or tears will make them more visually appealing and functional.

Recycling Old Climbing Shoes

A final option for what to do with old climbing shoes is to recycle them. There are a number of companies and organizations that specialize in recycling shoes, such as Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program.

These programs can turn old shoes into material for things like playground surfaces or new shoes. Recycling old climbing shoes can be beneficial for the environment, as it reduces waste in landfills and conserves resources.

Use them for display or decoration

If you have a sentimental attachment to your old climbing shoes or find them aesthetically appealing, you can repurpose them as decor.

Mount them on a wall or display them on a shelf as a reminder of your climbing adventures.

Keep them as backups or for specific purposes

Even if your old climbing shoes are too worn out for regular climbing, you might still find them useful as backups or for specific purposes.

For example, you could keep them as a spare pair in case your primary shoes get damaged or for use during indoor climbing sessions.

Remember, if you choose to donate or recycle your climbing shoes, ensure they are clean and in a reasonable condition.

FAQs

Conclusion

When it comes to what to do with old climbing shoes, there are a number of options available. You can donate or sell them, repurpose them, or recycle them. It is important to consider the condition of the shoes and whether they are still usable before deciding to dispose of them.

Whether you decide to donate them to a charity, sell them online, or repurpose them for a new project, your old climbing shoes can continue to serve a purpose long after you’ve moved on to a new pair.