It seems that if they are not donated, components of our outdated sneakers can solely actually be “downcycled,” or repurposed as lesser-value gadgets like rubber flooring. And this is the tough factor about sneakers—trainers specifically: Since they’re made utilizing a few completely different supplies, they’re exhausting to take aside. As such, most of them do not get an opportunity at a second life and are destined to (very, very slowly) decompose in a landfill after we’re finished with them.
On high of that, avid runners undergo sneakers at Usain Bolt–degree velocity. Most specialists suggest switching trainers after 300 to 500 miles; a lot past that, they will lose their cushioning and will result in harm. Depending on how a lot you run, this might imply you are eliminating a pair each 4 to 6 months.
In response to this trashy drawback, some sneaker firms are beginning to promote runners which might be simpler to take aside for recycling. Another method is to create sneakers which might be designed to remain in use for longer, just like the Eliot Runner, the primary sneaker from traditional working model Tracksmith.