In Miami, a company called Sneaker Impact is quietly turning discarded shoes into powerful tools for sustainability and global support. With donation boxes placed around the city—like the one at Brickell Run Club—residents drop off worn sneakers, which are sorted at the company’s warehouse near Little Haiti. Some are recycled into new products like flooring and mats, while others are cleaned and shipped to developing countries, where they become affordable footwear sold by small local vendors.
Founder Moe Hachem sees sneakers not just as shoes, but as vital resources. Over one million pairs are collected each year, keeping tons of waste out of landfills. When reuse isn’t possible, the company repurposes sneaker materials into useful items like foam sandals. By extending the life of everyday shoes, Sneaker Impact is giving communities around the world a literal step forward—and challenging other businesses to do the same.