Fleet Feet and Sneaker Impact Reclaim 49K Pounds of Footwear in 2025

Fleet Feet Chicago is leading the way in sustainable retail by partnering with Sneaker Impact to recycle used sneakers and reduce environmental waste.

Through its ongoing partnership with Sneaker Impact, the retailer has made sneaker recycling a convenient part of every customer’s shopping experience. Shoppers at any of Fleet Feet’s nine Chicago-area locations Old Town, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, South Loop, Algonquin, Deerfield, Elmhurst, Oak Park, and Rockford can now drop off their used sneakers in branded recycling boxes and pick up a new pair in one seamless visit.

Impressive Results: 49,878 Pounds Reclaimed

Since joining forces with Sneaker Impact, Fleet Feet Chicago has collected more than 49,878 pounds of sneakers. This total includes:

• 29,658 pairs of gently worn sneakers

• 4,855 pairs of mixed or casual shoes

• 4,367 pairs of end-of-life sneakers

These efforts have diverted an estimated 372,632 kilograms of CO₂e from landfills, making a measurable difference in the fight against climate change.

How the Program Works

The sneaker recycling process is designed for maximum convenience and impact. Customers simply bring their old sneakers to any Fleet Feet Chicago store and place them in the designated boxes. From there, Sneaker Impact collects and sorts the shoes. Gently used pairs are redistributed to underserved communities, providing much-needed footwear to those in need. Shoes that are no longer wearable are processed for sustainable recycling, ensuring that valuable materials are recovered and landfill waste is minimized.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Maggie Echenique, Director of Partnerships at Sneaker Impact, said:
"This isn't just a partnership it's a shared mission. Fleet Feet Chicago has embraced sneaker recycling at every level of their organization. From store staff to their distribution center, the entire team is committed to reducing waste and empowering their customers to take part in a more sustainable future."

Fleet Feet Chicago’s staff are trained to educate customers about the recycling program, and the company’s distribution center ensures efficient handling of all collected sneakers. This organization-wide commitment is key to the program’s success and impact.

Setting a New Standard for Retail

Sneaker Impact, based in Miami, is a leader in collecting, sorting, and repurposing used footwear. The company’s collaboration with Fleet Feet Chicago is a model for how retail businesses can fully integrate sustainability into their operations from the sales floor to the supply chain.

Dave Zimmer, Owner of Fleet Feet Chicago, said:
"At Fleet Feet Chicago, we've always believed that running changes everything not just lives, but communities and the world around us. Our partnership with Sneaker Impact brings that belief full circle, giving our customers a simple, powerful way to reduce waste and create positive environmental change one recycled pair at a time."

Beyond the environmental benefits, the program also supports social initiatives by redistributing gently used shoes to people in underserved areas, ensuring access to quality footwear for those who need it most.

Join the Movement

Fleet Feet Chicago’s partnership with Sneaker Impact is more than just a recycling initiative it’s a blueprint for how retailers can drive real change. By making sustainability easy and accessible, they’re proving that small steps can add up to a big impact for the community and the planet.

To learn more about the sneaker recycling program or find a participating location, visit sneakerimpact.com.