In a world where the allure of running transcends boundaries of age, culture, and geography, the environmental impact of this popular activity often goes unnoticed. Every year, a staggering 18 billion running shoes are sold worldwide, but what happens to them when they reach the end of their life cycle? Shockingly, 33 million pairs end up in landfills annually, where they can take up to 1000 years to degrade. These statistics paint a bleak picture of environmental sustainability within the running industry.

I was first introduced to the UK company Jog On Again as an ambassador for The Boston Run Show in 2023. This running show is put on by a company in the UK. Side note, the 2025 show is looking to be amazing…bigger than ever and Des Linden will be one of the speakers, so when I start giving you access to free tickets, snap them up! More soon!

Sneaker Impact is also doing the same thing, in the US. What’s so great about these companies is they make it super easy to do, with prepaid labels in the US and only £2 for a box up to 40 pairs of sneakers.

Here’s how Jog On Again is making a difference: Collecting Used Running Shoes

Jog On Again actively collects used running shoes from individuals and organizations. By doing so, they prevent these shoes from ending up in landfills, where they would contribute to long-term environmental degradation.

Upon receiving used shoes, Jog On Again meticulously sorts through them. Shoes that still have significant life left in them are earmarked for donation to those in need. This not only reduces waste but also promotes accessibility to quality footwear for runners and others who may not have the means to purchase new shoes.

For shoes that have reached the end of their usable lifespan, Jog On Again ensures they are disposed of responsibly. This means finding innovative ways to recycle or repurpose materials, ensuring that even discarded shoes do not contribute to the global landfill crisis.

By addressing the staggering statistics – 18 billion shoes sold annually and 33 million ending up in landfills each year – Jog On Again raises awareness among runners about the environmental impact of their gear choices. They encourage a mindset shift towards sustainability within the running community.

Sneaker Impact’s AI Technology Process:

Sneaker Impact takes the sneakers that can’t be reused and a partner company grinds them up. They then send the ground up material through a machine that has the capability through AI to separate the different materials. These materials are then used in different ways to craft new products.

The sneakers that are able to be reused are offered at a fraction of the cost of them as new to small businesses in communities around the world that can revive them and then resell them at affordable prices.

Why It Matters:

The environmental footprint of running shoes is often underestimated. By extending the lifespan of used shoes through donation and responsible disposal practices, Jog On Again not only reduces waste but also promotes a circular economy within the running industry. Their efforts inspire runners to think about donating used shoes, instead of keeping 24 pairs!

Get Involved:

As a runner, you can make a tangible impact by supporting initiatives like Jog On Again or Sneaker Impact. Consider donating your gently used running shoes to help someone in need, or participating in awareness campaigns to spread the word about responsible shoe disposal.

How to Donate:

In the UK you can go to the website jogonagain.com. There is a link to a postal label to print out and you can send up to 40 pairs of shoes for £2! This gives runners there the opportunity to spread the news and collect shoes as a running club, park run club, etc.

In the US, if you go to the Sneaker Impact website they give you the option of getting a prepaid label for up to 7 pairs of sneakers. If you are a business that is interested in collecting more than that, there is an option for that, too.