Shoes: give your unwanted pairs a second home
The boots you no longer reach for. The trainers that never quite became your favourites. The little shoes that were outgrown far too quickly. If there is still wear left in them, there could be someone else ready to put them to good use.
You can donate shoes to Donate Clothes as matching pairs, provided they are clean, dry and in good condition to be worn again. Book a free home collection in an area we cover, and your pre-loved pairs can help raise funds for your chosen partner charity.
In this guide
Which shoes can you donate?
Our rule is simple: paired shoes, with another chapter left in them. They do not have to be brand new or a designer label.
Think of the everyday pairs sitting unworn by the door or tucked away in your wardrobe:
- Trainers and casual shoes that are still comfortable and in good condition.
- Boots and ankle boots with sound soles and working fastenings.
- Sandals, flats and occasion shoes, including heels you no longer wear.
- Children’s shoes that have been outgrown while still in good condition.
Please keep each matching pair together. A left shoe and a right shoe of the same style and size are much more useful than two almost-matching finds from the bottom of a cupboard.
For the rest of your clear-out, our About & FAQs explain what else you can include.
A quick check before you pass them on
A little wear does not mean a pair has reached the end of the road. The question is whether someone else could still wear them comfortably and safely.
- Look underneath. Soles should be intact, rather than split, coming away or worn through.
- Check inside. Make sure the lining is in good condition and there is nothing sharp or broken inside.
- Try the fastenings. Check that zips, buckles and straps still work.
- Check both shoes. Look for holes, serious damage, dampness or mould, rather than checking only the better-looking one.
These are practical ways to apply our good-condition rule. Please keep damaged or worn-out shoes out of your Donate Clothes collection. If a pair you still love only needs a small repair, a local shoe repairer may be able to help you keep wearing it.
How to get your shoes ready for donation
There is no need for fancy packaging. A few minutes of preparation will help your pairs arrive together and ready for their next outing.
- Give them a gentle clean. Remove loose dirt and follow the care instructions for the material. Not every shoe belongs in the washing machine.
- Let them dry completely. Do not seal damp shoes in a bag or box.
- Keep each pair together. Tie the laces together where possible. For shoes without laces, keep the matching pair together in a small bag within your donation.
- Pack them securely. Reuse a suitable bag or box and keep shoe soles from marking any clothing packed alongside them.
- Protect your donation from the weather. Leave it in the place agreed when booking, on your collection day.
Keeping pairs together matters: Recycle Now’s advice on shoes and boots also recommends tying shoes together so they do not become separated.
Donate shoes with a free home collection
If you would rather skip the trip to a drop-off point, you can include suitable paired shoes in a Donate Clothes home collection.
Choose one of our partner charities, check your postcode and select an available collection date. Pack your shoes and any other accepted items, then follow the collection instructions. Availability depends on the area and dates shown when you book.
Suitable donations are sorted and sold for reuse, helping raise funds for our charity partners. This is fundraising through the sale of donated items; it does not mean your shoes are handed directly to someone supported by the charity you choose.
On average, we donate 82% of our profit to our partner charities. A little more room by the front door, a little more good from the pairs you no longer need.
Ready to give your shoes another outing? Choose your charity and check collection availability.
Do charity shops take shoes?
Many do, provided they are suitable for resale. For example, Oxfam’s donation guidance lists shoes in pairs of all styles alongside clean, good-condition clothing and accessories.
Check with the particular shop before making a journey, especially if you have several bags to donate. Different shops have different arrangements, and a specialist bookshop is not the same as a general charity shop.
If you want footwear to go directly to a local person or family, ask a local support organisation what it currently needs. Check the sizes, styles and condition it accepts before taking anything along.
Can you put shoes in a clothes bank?
Some banks accept shoes, but the label on the bank is the thing to check. Keep accepted pairs together and follow the operator’s instructions. Please do not leave bags beside a full bank, where donations can become wet or damaged.
For help choosing between a drop-off point and collection, see our guide to clothes recycling near you.
What about worn-out shoes and odd shoes?
Shoe donation and shoe recycling are not always the same thing. Our collections are for shoes that can be worn again, in matching pairs. We do not collect worn-out footwear or single shoes.
For shoes that cannot be reused, check your council’s recycling guidance or the local options listed by Recycle Now. Ask the operator specifically about the condition of your shoes and whether it accepts single shoes: a point listed for footwear may only take wearable pairs.
Do not assume that a textile bank or a retailer’s take-back scheme accepts every kind of shoe. Conditions can differ, and some schemes limit the types of footwear they take. Follow your council’s disposal advice if you cannot find a suitable repair, reuse or recycling route.
A few more questions about donating shoes
Can I donate used trainers?
Yes, if they are a matching pair, clean, completely dry and in good condition for someone else to wear. Check the soles and lining as well as the uppers. Trainers that are worn through need a different route.
Can I donate children’s shoes?
Yes. Outgrown pairs are welcome when they are still in good condition. Check both shoes and keep the pair together when packing.
Do shoes need to be in their original box?
No. You can use a suitable bag or box you already have. Keeping the pair together, clean and dry is what matters.
Where can I donate shoes near me?
Start by checking your postcode for a Donate Clothes home collection. If we do not cover your area, a local charity shop or a footwear bank may be an option. Check what that particular service accepts before travelling.
A clearer cupboard. A second home for your shoes.
You do not have to wait for a whole wardrobe clear-out to take a look at the pairs you never wear. Match them up, check their condition and decide which ones could be enjoyed again.
When you are ready, choose your charity on our home page and check the available collections in your area. We will take it from there.
