As the new school year begins, thousands of families across the UK will be shopping for fresh uniforms, backpacks and, of course, school shoes. But while new shoes are often top of the shopping list, what happens to last year’s pair?
With Second-hand September encouraging us all to buy less, reuse more and keep items in circulation for longer, it’s the perfect time to rethink what happens to children’s school shoes once they’re no longer needed.
The UK’s Shoe Waste Problem
The statistics paint a worrying picture. Research suggests that between 44% and 73% of households throw old shoes straight into the bin rather than donating or recycling them. Even more concerning, around 90% of all shoes purchased in the UK eventually end up in landfill. That’s approximately 149 million pairs every year.
According to UK charity Shoe Aid, an estimated two million shoes are sent to landfill every week, with many of them being children’s shoes that have simply been outgrown rather than worn out.
Why Are School Shoes Thrown Away?
School shoes often have a tough life. From playground football matches to muddy walks home, it’s no surprise they pick up scuffs, scratches and dirt along the way. Unfortunately, many parents mistake cosmetic wear for the end of a shoe’s life.
In reality, a quick clean, polish or scuff repair can make a huge difference. If the sole is still intact and the shoe fits, there’s often plenty of life left in the pair.
Other factors also contribute to shoe waste. Throwing footwear in the household bin is often seen as the easiest option, whilst lost shoes or uneven wear can make donating more difficult.
Restore Before You Replace
Before deciding a pair of school shoes is destined for the bin, it’s worth asking whether they simply need a little TLC. Cherry Blossom’s shoe care range has everything you could possibly need to restore the look of a pair of shoes and help prevent wear and tear in the first place.
Using our black Shoe Polish revives faded leather, our Scuff Cover disguises everyday marks, and our Patent Leather Restorer does exactly as its name describes. Replacing worn laces or adding fresh shoe labels can also breathe life into a new pair, keeping shoes looking smarter for longer. For an all-in-one school shoe solution, Cherry Blossom’s School Shoe Care Kit keeps school shoes smart, maintained and refreshed, helping students get ready for the new school year.
By taking a few minutes to care for school shoes throughout the year, families can often extend their lifespan, helping to reduce water whilst saving money at the same time.
What Should I Do With Outgrown Footwear?
If the shoes are still in good condition but no longer fit, there are plenty of better alternatives than throwing them away. Sal's Shoes redistributes outgrown children’s footwear to families experiencing shoe poverty in the UK and around the world. Shoe Aid also collects wearable shoes through schools and retailers, helping support the four million children in the UK currently experiencing shoe poverty.
Many high street retailers are also making it easier to recycle unwanted footwear. Schemes such as Schuh's Sell Your Soles campaign and recycling programmes like ShoeShare from Clarks accept old shoes in any condition, often rewarding customers with a voucher towards a future purchase.
Small Steps, Big Difference
This new school year, let’s challenge the idea that a few scuffs mean the end of a shoe’s journey. With a little care, many school shoes can be restored, passed on or responsibly recycled instead of ending up in landfill.
Keeping shoes in use for longer doesn’t just reduce waste; it helps families save money, supports those in need and is a simple step towards a more sustainable school year.
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