Us runners have relationships with our running shoes. A runner may not remember what happened on last week’s episode of 30 Rock, but she could tell you what shoes she wore when she set her 10k PR. A runner could tell you the merits of last year’s version of shoe x versus the updated version of shoe x. I think I have more pictures of running shoes than of my sister on my iPhone. (Granted, she lives 600 miles away. I see my running shoes every day).

I have a hard time parting with my running shoes, and I know I’m not alone. The pile of shoes that build up in our closets and our car trunks represent sacrifices and silent victories. But at some point, when the piles get too high, too smelly, or become a sore spot between you and your spouse, something’s got to give. 

So what can you do with your old shoes? Throwing them into the garbage seems wasteful. You probably know to donate them, but did you realize there are a lot more options out there than the local thrift store? Here are a few ideas...