Recycled Car Tires Make Amazing Shoes

Okay, so first the bad news: 300 million car tires are thrown away every year in the United States alone. They end up in landfills, where they release toxic chemicals into the environment as time passes.

The Problem With Throwing Away Tires

Tires in landfills are likely to catch on fire — and these fires are so hard to control and put out that the tire may just burn for weeks, all the while releasing noxious smoke into the air. This smoke is harmful to human health and can pose an even greater threat to folks with existing respiratory problems.

As tires break down, they release these same harmful chemicals into the soil.

Overcrowded landfills simply can’t handle the millions of tires that are thrown away each year. Instead, some people take to illegally dumping their old tires– and they tend to do so in low-income neighborhoods, creating more environmental and health risks for those who are already more vulnerable to them.

But here’s the good news: car tires are actually recyclable. Instead of sitting (or burning) in landfills, that durable, high-quality rubber can become part of a road, or a running track, or as ground cover for a safer playground.

And you’re here at Better World Apparel, so let us tell you… the rubber’s shock-absorbency makes it great for shoes, too.

Recycled Tire Shoe Brands

Here are 4 stores that make amazing shoes out of recycled car tires.

Indosole

Indosole`s shoes are vegan and responsibly made. And they have something for everybody, with durable waterproof shoes for men, women, kids, and toddlers.

Based in Indonesia, Indosole is committed to social responsibility, too. Their shoes are hand-crafted by local artisans, and the company is committed to a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment. Check out this video for the company’s story.

soleRebels

We already highlighted soleRebels for their stylish women’s shoes, but we couldn’t help including them here, too. For soleRebels, making shoes from tires is part of an age-old tradition, and they do it beautifully, with care for their workers, community, and environment.

This video shows their process.

Brave Soles

Brave Soles makes seriously stylish sandals for people of any gender.

Their shoes will make you want to go take a long walk down the beach, but like, also to a nice restaurant. Like maybe a beachside restaurant. With outdoor seating where you can watch the sunset, and it’s not too hot out but also not too cool. And you’re drinking a strawberry daiquiri…. What? Oops, sorry. Back to the point.

The point is (while you’re drinking your daiquiri) you can be happy with the knowledge that your shoes are made out of recycled and ethically-sourced materials, made by artisans in safe, healthy, and fair workplaces.

Learn more about Brave Soles here.

Timberland

Timberland make beautiful, long-lasting shoes for adults and kids.

You can get shoes for the outdoors (waterproof shoes, hiking boots, and snow boots), everyday shoes, and cute, work-appropriate shoes, too. And they’re not only great quality, but they come from a company committed to using organic and recycled materials.

Finding the perfect pair of shoes feels even better when you can trust that you’re supporting eco-friendly companies and practices.

Keep car tires out of landfills– and put them on your feet instead.