Turn Your Shoes Into a Basketball Court or Shoes For Those Who Have None

What's Up?

Closets are full of shoes that are worn out, too small, or we do not like any more.  Many times we throw them out, or give them away to local thrift stores.  There are other alternatives.

Idea

Used Athletic Shoes

Nike shoe company accepts used athletic shoes at sites all over the country.  They grind up the shoes up and come up with three useful materials: rubber from the out soles; foam from the mid-sole; fabric from the upper.  They use these materials along with their partners to build playground or basketball court surfaces.  It takes approximately 2,500 pairs of shoes for a playground surface, or a basketball court.

Used Shoes

Many rescue missions, shelters, and start up organizations can use slightly used shoes.  Some organizations raise money by selling used shoes.  Find an organization close to your home and visit their website, or call them.  Most of them have a list of items they currently need.

New Shoes

Millions of kids all over the world including in the United States do not have shoes.  The organization Samaritans Feet supplies new shoes to millions of children each year.  If you have a new pair of shoes which you never wore, donate them to others.

How Does It Help?

New Shoes

For those who have none, it gives them protection from the weather, and from diseases.

Recycled Shoes

It reduces the need for new natural resources, and reduces the amount of garbage in a landfill.

Parent(s)

Parents before you throw those shoes away, think of other ways to dispose of the shoes.  This can be a great learning tool for kids to understand how to give back to others in a small simple way.  Depending on their age, they might need help in dropping off the shoes to the recycle or donation location.

Ways to Collect More Shoes

Think about organizing a shoe drive at your school or a religious facility for a specific cause.  For example, we want to collect 1,000 pairs of new shoes for a neighboring community, or 2,500 pairs of used athletic shoes to build a playground floor.

Please ensure you obtain permission before you start a shoe drive.

More Information

Athletic Shoes

Nike accepts athletic shoes from any company.  The shoes cannot contain metal, be damp or wet, and no cleats are accepted.  They accept sneakers at many locations.  These locations are listed on their website.  For additional information go to Nike at http://www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe/

Used Shoes

Besides your local organizations, there are organizations around the world which collect used shoes.  See this great link for a list: http://www.runtheplanet.com/shoes/selection/recycle

New Shoes

Here is a link for Samaritan's Feet which gives new shoes away in the US and abroad to those who have none.  www.samaritansfeet.org