The Resole Project is an initative to unite the climbing industry and reduce waste generated by the sport. To participate, climbers can send in their shoes using the link below or at your participating climbing gym. Climbing gyms, shoe brands, and cobblers interested in participating can request information through our contact form or email us at shop@articlesincommon.com.
Factoring key metrics like global production volume, short product lifespan, and non-recycleable materials, it's not surprising that climbing generates an enormous amount of waste and has one of the highest carbon footprints of all outdoor sports.
An avid climber burns through 4 to 6 pairs of shoes per year and most don't opt to resole them. Add that to a list of gyms and outfitters that do not resole their rental fleets and we now have an enormous amount of shoes ending up in landfills. To give you an idea of volume of waste produced, a single rental fleet can be anywhere from 300 to 700lbs of shoes depending on the size of the gym.
Since rubber doesn't retain its value like other commodities, commercial and industrial recycling facilities are not willing to pay for post consumer rubber materials. This means any organization or brand wanting to recycle would have to cover the cost. Sustainability has not been a priority in the climbing industry. We need industry wide support to implement a circular solution at scale.
Choose to resole your shoes instead of buying new and help support local cobblers. Used shoes are also a great option for folks just starting their journey into climbing. Support climbing gyms that participate in The Resole Project.
Cobblers
Drop-off Locations
Cobblers
Drop-off Locations
Cobblers
Drop-off Locations
