Discover how your cycling shoes can last longer and save the planet
Have you ever wondered where your cycling shoes end up after they wear out? Most people simply throw them away, but there’s a quietly growing movement capable of transforming this waste into a sustainable and stylish practice.
The circular economy applied to cycling shoes brings incredible benefits, such as extending the lifespan of shoes, reducing material waste, and saving money while helping the environment. And the best part? All of this can be achieved with creativity, reuse, and a lot of personality.
In this article, you’ll learn real-life examples of reusing soles, straps, and laces, interviews with those who get involved, and practical solutions that can make you rethink the lifecycle of your shoes, and perhaps even create something unique.
Inside the circular economy in cycling shoes
The circular economy is a smart way to think about consumption. Instead of simply discarding what breaks or wears out, the idea is to reuse, refurbish, and transform. In the world of cycling, this has yielded surprising results, especially when it comes to footwear.
Another important point to consider is that this concept goes beyond recycling: it’s about keeping products in use for longer, with quality, comfort, and performance. And yes, this includes those cycling shoes you thought were on the way out.
It’s also worth noting that many solutions come from everyday people, cyclists, designers, artisans, who have found in upcycling a creative and functional way to give new life to their shoes.
What can be reused? Check out the items with the greatest potential.
It’s important to emphasize that many things can be reused in cycling shoes—even when they seem ready for disposal:
- Rubber soles: can be replaced or reused in other shoes.
- Closure straps (Velcro, buckles): these tend to wear out before the rest of the shoe. Simply replace them.
- Shoelaces and ribbons: can be recycled, dyed, or used in other accessories.
- Insoles: a good reuse or customization brings comfort and new life.
- Structural parts (tongue, collar): are often intact and can be reused in repairs or new designs.
These components, when recovered with technique and creativity, maintain the performance of the shoes and also generate less waste.
Quick Guide: How to Repurpose Your Cycling Shoes Step by Step
Want to give your shoes a second chance? Here’s how you can do it practically:
Evaluate the overall condition of the shoe
Check if the structure is intact. If only the sole or strap is damaged, it’s definitely worth refurbishing.
Identify what can be replaced
Soles, buckles, and insoles are easy to replace. You can find ready-made kits or repurpose them from other shoes.
Look for specialized makers or studios
Local workshops or independent entrepreneurs often offer upcycling services—and at fair prices.
Use sustainable materials
Repurposed fabrics, vegan leather, and even recycled inner tubes can become raw materials.
Customize with style
Take the opportunity to give your new pair your own personal touch! Style and sustainability go hand in hand here.
Share your creation
By sharing your repurposed footwear, you inspire more people and strengthen this circular movement.
Tools and materials to start your own project
Feeling like getting your hands dirty? Here’s a simple list of materials and tools you can use to repurpose your own cycling shoes:
- High-strength contact adhesive
- Needle and thread for leather or sturdy fabric
- Precision scissors
- Adhesive or sewing Velcro
- Recycled rubber soles
- Repurposed fabrics (such as denim, canvas, or tire inner tubes)
- Eco-friendly paint for fabrics and rubber
It’s also worth noting that you already have many of these items at home—or you can find them at swap meets, community workshops, or recycling groups.
How to turn your old shoes into new products
Did you know that your old shoes can also be turned into more than just shoes? Here are some ideas for creative reuse:
- Bags or fanny packs made from fabric and shoelaces
- Bike tool holders
- Saddle covers or backpack straps
- Decorative objects (such as vases or storage containers)
- Wrist pads or supports for indoor training
These solutions not only prevent waste, but also demonstrate that creativity is a powerful tool for sustainability.
Apps and platforms that support upcycling
Yes, technology can also be your ally in this process! Here are some platforms and apps that help connect people, services, and sustainable ideas:
- Depop: A platform for buying and selling sustainable and secondhand clothing and accessories. Many users customize shoes and sell them as unique pieces.
- Vinted: A European app for selling and exchanging used clothing and shoes. Excellent for finding pairs in good condition or with potential for customization.
- ThredUp: One of the largest online thrift stores in the world. Ideal for those seeking sustainable alternatives and seeking inspiration from brands that embrace the circular economy.
- Retykle: An app focused on secondhand children’s clothing and shoes, but which strongly promotes upcycling and reuse.
- Good On You: This is not a sales app, but rather a tool for discovering brands with good environmental practices, useful for learning about international brands that work with sustainable and upcycled footwear.
These tools provide easy access to real, often free, solutions to get you started today.
Challenge yourself with the “30-Day Circular Challenge”
Want a little push to permanently change the way you use your cycling gear? Take the 30-Day Circular Challenge:
How it works:
- For 30 days, don’t buy any new items for your bike or yourself.
- Use only what you already have or can exchange, refurbish, or repurpose.
- Share your journey on social media with the hashtag #PedalCircular.
You’ll be surprised by how much creativity you can do, and without spending almost anything.
Practical (and different) tips to adopt now!
Now, some tips that go beyond the obvious and may surprise you:
- Partner with local sewers: sewers and shoemakers can be valuable allies in creative repurposing.
- Use exchange networks among cyclists: cycling groups often share repurposed materials and parts.
- Explore natural dyes for customization: it gives your shoes a unique look and avoids the use of chemicals.
- Combine parts from different models: try creating a stylish “fashion Frankenstein”!
- Turn the old into art: some makers transform sneakers into vases, lamps, or decorative pieces.
Conclusion: Time to rethink, renew, and cycle with purpose
As we’ve seen, the circular economy applied to cycling shoes is more than a trend; it’s a practical, sustainable, and accessible approach. Reusing soles, laces, and straps not only reduces environmental impact, but also saves money, extends the lifespan of your equipment, and allows you to have shoes that reflect your personality.
Now that you know the possibilities, how about putting them into practice? Find a studio, talk to makers, experiment with creative solutions. Or even venture into making them yourself. Your next pair of sneakers can be more sustainable and much more special.
Be part of this change now. Your pedaling can leave a much lighter trail on the planet.
