This week Rothy’s Shoes is taking back shoes from customers in a pilot program as part of its pledge to be a closed loop footwear recycling program. From October 18-24, customers are invited to give back their old Rothy’s shoes at stores across the country (including the Larchmont location), for $20 off their next purchase. The pilot is focused on recycling shoes, but the company says it hopes to expand to include bags and accessories in later phases.
“We’re currently in the development phase of our recycling program, where we’re breaking down the unwearable shoes, identifying usable materials, and exploring the ways in which we can repurpose the twice-recycled materials from the damaged shoes into new products,” explained a Rothy’s spokesperson in an email to the Buzz.
The company which uses recycled water bottles and ocean-bound marine plastics to  create their line of shoes and accessories has been working toward reusing all the materials in their products. By the end of 2021, Rothy’s is on track to upcycle 20,000 pairs of shoes as it continues to scale the program. According to the company, it is using this pilot to inform its efforts to refine the recycling and manufacturing process, with the ultimate goal being developing a solution that could be shared across the shoe industry.
We stopped in today with a pair — full disclosure here, we own more than one pair of Rothy’s shoes — to check out the program. While it’s always great to get a new pair of shoes, it’s especially nice to know the shoes are being recycled and not being added to the landfill.
Larchmont Store manager Sabrina Esparza was happy to take the old, well worn pair of sneakers, including the box, and make suggestions on some possible replacements. The pilot ends on Sunday, so if you have a pair and you’re thinking of trading them in, now’s the time. And, you’ll be helping Rothy’s perfect its recycling program!
