Shoe Life Cycle

The Life Cycle of a Running Shoe

Eventually all shoes will end up in a landfill somewhere in the world. But before that happens, we at Brooks want to encourage you to make the most of your running shoes. Once you retire them from training--or racing, let them continue to lead a happy, long existence in The Life Cycle of a Running Shoe.

Phase One: Your brand-new running shoes

First, enjoy your brand-new running shoes for 300 miles of pure running joy. Use their cushioning and resiliency to give you the perfect ride as you run day after day.

Phase Two: Transition to casual street shoes

Once they pass the 300-mile mark, those trusty running shoes make great casual street-wear. Pair them with jeans for a trip to the grocery store, an outing with your dog, or a day at the park.

Phase Three: Transition to work-around-the-house shoes

Of course, even casual street shoes begin to show signs of age over time. Offer them a change of pace by promoting them to lawn mowing, painting, or gardening shoes.

Phase Four: Retirement from active work life

You may think the next best place for your well-worn, around-the-house work shoes is the trash. But wait one minute! If they're still in good shape, those shoes have more life left to give. They can help someone in need when you donate them to charity. Find a local drop-off center in your community or ship them to a national organization, like Soles4Souls.

Phase Five: A final resting spot

After years of use and wear, those running shoes are ready for their final resting spot in a local landfill. Here, if they have a BioMoGo midsole, parts of the shoe will be returned to the earth as reusable byproducts that can help grow trees and plants.

The End?

So make the most of your running shoes and let them enjoy a full, complete, and productive life. They'll be happier. And so will Mother Earth.

Take me back to the Green Room.