Where to Donate Shoes in Toronto

Places That Accept Shoe Donations in Toronto

Toronto has several options for donating reusable shoes, from scheduled pickup to footwear collection programs, staffed donation centres and seasonal City events.

The best option depends on how many pairs you have, the condition of the footwear and whether you want pickup or prefer to take the shoes somewhere yourself.

This guide covers practical Toronto shoe donation options, including several programs focused specifically on footwear.

Toronto Shoe Donation Options

#1 DonateYourStuff.ca

DonateYourStuff.ca provides free scheduled donation pickup for qualifying shoes, boots and other footwear throughout Toronto.

Donation method: Free scheduled pickup.

Accepts: Qualifying adult and children’s shoes, sneakers, athletic footwear, boots, sandals, dress shoes and other reusable footwear.

Locations and hours:

• Toronto: Pickup is available throughout Toronto rather than through a public drop-off location. Pickup dates and arrival windows are arranged for qualifying requests.

Important details: Shoes must be clean, completely dry, matched and suitable for continued wear. Soles should remain securely attached, heels should be stable and essential laces, straps, buckles and zippers should work.

Pickup is intended for donations that reasonably justify sending a vehicle. Several pairs, bags or boxes of footwear are more suitable than one pair on its own, and shoes can be combined with clothing or other accepted donations.

Submit your location, approximate number of pairs, bags or boxes and a general description of the footwear. Your request is reviewed before pickup availability is confirmed by email.

Official information: Shoe Donation Pickup | Toronto Donation Pickup | Donations We Accept | Request a Donation Pickup

#2 BioPed Footcare

BioPed is one of the more footwear-specific donation options in Toronto. Its clinics collect gently used shoes throughout the year through its work with Soles4Souls.

Donation method: Drop-off at participating BioPed clinics.

Accepts: Gently used shoes that are still suitable for continued use.

Toronto locations include:

• 490 College Street
• 1684 Danforth Avenue, Unit 2
• 1864 Bayview Avenue, Unit 102A
• 1396 Don Mills Road, Unit B111

BioPed’s current location directory verifies these Toronto clinics.

Important details: BioPed describes its shoe collection as a year-round program. Shoes are collected through its clinics and directed through its Soles4Souls partnership.

Check the clinic finder before going because individual clinic hours vary.

Official information: BioPed Shoe Donation Program | BioPed Locations

#3 DSW Canada and The Shoe Company

DSW Canada and The Shoe Company both operate in-store shoe donation programs with Soles4Souls Canada.

Donation method: In-store drop-off.

Accepts: New and gently worn shoes. DSW and The Shoe Company direct footwear donations through Soles4Souls Canada.

Toronto-area locations include:

The Shoe Company

• Dufferin Mall: 900 Dufferin Street
• Stockyards Outlet: 1980 St. Clair Avenue West
• Yonge Sheppard Centre: 4841 Yonge Street

The current Shoe Company Toronto directory lists these three active Toronto locations.

DSW

• Warden & Eglinton: 1920 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough
• North Queen: 170 North Queen Street, Etobicoke

Both are currently listed in the official DSW store directory.

Important details: DSW calls its in-store collection the Shoe It Forward program. The company states that new or gently used shoes can be brought to DSW stores and placed in the Shoe It Forward collection box.

The Shoe Company operates a similar in-store shoe donation program.

Official information: DSW Soles4Souls Program | The Shoe Company Soles4Souls Program

#4 Dress for Success Toronto

Dress for Success Toronto is a more specialized option for workplace-appropriate footwear.

Donation method: Drop-off.

Accepts: New or gently used work-appropriate shoes and boots that meet its current clothing donation requirements.

Toronto drop-off locations include:

• Dress for Success Toronto Boutique: 5150 Yonge Street, Unit C29
• Gibson’s Cleaners: 4241 Dundas Street West
• Gibson’s Cleaners: 258 Beresford Avenue
• Gibson’s Cleaners: 140 La Rose Avenue

The boutique accepts donations by appointment, while the Gibson’s Cleaners partner locations provide additional drop-off options under the organization’s current donation instructions.

Important details: Footwear should be clean, ready to wear, free from damage and appropriate for workplace use. Current needs can change, so check the donation page before going.

Official information: Dress for Success Toronto Clothing Donations

#5 Scott Mission

Scott Mission is a general Toronto donation centre that specifically lists boots and shoes among its current in-kind needs.

Donation method: Drop-off.

Accepts: New or gently used footwear, including boots and shoes.

Locations and hours:

• 502 Spadina Avenue: seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• 1550 O’Connor Drive: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• 5 McLachlan Drive, Etobicoke: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Important details: Scott Mission asks donors to use clear bags when possible and hand donations directly to staff. Its current donation page states that donation pickup services are not available.

Official information: Scott Mission Gifts in Kind

#6 City of Toronto Community Environment Days

Community Environment Days provide a seasonal City-run option for donating reusable footwear.

Donation method: Seasonal drop-off events.

Accepts: The City specifically includes footwear among the reusable items accepted at Community Environment Days.

Locations and hours: Events are held at changing locations throughout Toronto during the Community Environment Day season.

Some events take place at parks, schools, malls or community centres, while others are held at City Drop-Off Depots. Access rules differ depending on the event location.

Important details: There is no permanent Community Environment Day shoe donation address. Check the current event schedule before going.

Official information: Community Environment Days

How to Choose Where to Donate Your Shoes

You do not need to compare every organization again after reading the directory above. The main decision comes down to transportation, quantity, condition and whether your shoes fit a specialized program.

Pickup or Drop-Off?

If you have several pairs, multiple bags or boxes, or shoes combined with other qualifying donations, scheduled pickup may save you from transporting everything yourself. DonateYourStuff.ca offers donation pickup.

If you only have a pair or two, a nearby footwear collection point or staffed drop-off may be easier.

General or Specialized Donation?

Everyday shoes, sneakers, children’s footwear and boots can usually go through a general footwear donation program.

Specialized footwear may require a little more thought. Workplace shoes may fit a professional-clothing program, while athletic shoes and cleats should still have enough structure and sole life to be usable for their intended purpose.

Check Condition Before You Leave

The most important question is not whether the shoes are fashionable or recent. It is whether someone can reasonably continue wearing them.

Do not use a donation location as a disposal option for footwear that is wet, mouldy, badly damaged or worn beyond practical use.

What Condition Should Donated Shoes Be In?

Used shoes can show normal signs of wear and still be suitable for donation.

The important issue is whether the pair remains functional.

Soles Should Still Be Usable

Check for:

• Holes through the sole
• Major separation between the sole and upper
• Deep cracking or crumbling
• Extremely uneven wear
• Tread worn down to the point that the shoe is no longer practical to use

Heels Should Be Stable

A heel should not wobble, break away from the shoe or create an obvious walking hazard.

High heels, dress shoes and boots deserve an extra check because damage around the heel may not be obvious from above.

Both Shoes Must Be Present

Keep the matching left and right shoe together.

A single shoe or mismatched pair is not useful for normal reuse and is not accepted through DonateYourStuff.ca pickup.

Closures Should Work

Check:

• Laces
• Zippers
• Buckles
• Straps
• Hook-and-loop fasteners
• Other closures needed to wear the footwear properly

A missing lace may be easy to replace. A broken zipper or structural strap can make footwear much harder to reuse.

Shoes Should Be Clean and Dry

Remove mud, salt, grass, stones and loose dirt.

Footwear should be completely dry before it goes into a bag or box. Wet shoes can develop mould, mildew and odours while stored.

Athletic Shoes Need Enough Life Left

Running shoes, court shoes, cleats and other athletic footwear can look acceptable on the outside while the cushioning or internal support is badly worn.

Check for:

• Cracked midsoles
• Exposed cushioning
• Badly compressed interiors
• Loose cleats or studs
• Separating soles
• Loss of structure

DonateYourStuff.ca requires athletic footwear to retain enough support and structure for continued use.

How to Prepare Shoes for Donation

Clean the Exterior

Brush or wipe dirt from the uppers, soles and tread.

Wash footwear only when its material and care instructions allow it.

Clean the Inside

Check inside every shoe for:

• Dirt
• Stones
• Pet hair
• Paper
• Personal items
• Old inserts that you do not intend to donate

Dry Everything Completely

Never pack damp shoes or boots.

Let footwear dry fully before placing it in a bag or box.

Keep Matching Pairs Together

Tie the laces together, fasten the straps or use a clean elastic band.

Do not put adhesive tape directly on leather, fabric or other finished surfaces.

Remove Personal Orthotics

Take out custom orthotics or personal inserts that you want to keep.

Normal removable insoles, boot liners and other parts that belong with the footwear should stay with the correct pair.

Protect Dress Shoes and Boots

Original shoe boxes are useful when you still have them, but they are not required for DonateYourStuff.ca pickup.

Formal shoes can be wrapped or packed carefully to prevent scratching.

Tall boots can be supported with clean paper so they are not crushed or permanently folded.

Use Manageable Bags or Boxes

Pack shoes in clean, dry containers.

Several manageable bags or boxes are better than one container that is too heavy or beginning to split.

For complete packing and pickup staging information, review How to Prepare Your Donations.

Toronto Shoe Donation Questions

How worn is too worn to donate?

Shoes are generally too worn to donate when they are no longer practical or safe for someone else to wear.

Examples include soles worn through, major sole separation, unstable heels, badly worn tread, exposed cushioning, severe cracking, broken closures or footwear that has lost its shape and support.

Normal scuffs, light creasing and other signs of regular use do not automatically make a pair unsuitable.

Do shoes need to be washed before donating?

Shoes should be clean before donation, but not every type of footwear should be put in a washing machine.

Remove dirt, mud, salt and debris from the outside, and clean the inside as appropriate for the material. Wash sneakers, canvas shoes or other washable footwear according to their care instructions.

Make sure footwear is completely dry before placing it in a donation bag or box.

Do I need the original shoe box?

Usually not.

Most shoe donation programs are more concerned with the condition of the footwear than whether the original packaging is available.

Keeping shoes in their original box can still be useful for dress shoes, heels or other footwear that may be scratched or crushed easily.

Should I remove orthotics before donating shoes?

Remove custom orthotics, prescription inserts or any personal insoles you want to keep.

Standard removable insoles or liners that originally belong with the footwear should normally remain with the matching pair.

Can shoes with someone’s name written inside still be donated?

Usually, if the footwear is otherwise in good reusable condition.

Remove personal information such as full names, phone numbers, addresses or identification numbers when it can be done without damaging the shoe.

A small first name or initials generally does not affect whether the footwear can still be used.

Can shoes with missing laces be donated?

A missing lace is usually a minor issue if the shoes are otherwise in good condition because laces can easily be replaced.

Broken zippers, buckles, straps or other structural closures are more important. If the shoe cannot be worn properly without the damaged part, it may no longer be suitable for donation.

Can I donate a single shoe?

Most general shoe donation programs want complete matching pairs.

Single shoes have limited reuse options, so check with the specific organization before donating one. Do not place a single shoe into a general donation box unless the operator specifically says it accepts them.

Can used running shoes be donated?

Yes, provided they still have useful life left.

Check the soles, cushioning, heel structure and interior support. Running shoes with badly compressed cushioning, separating soles, exposed foam, major tread wear or structural damage may no longer be suitable for reuse even if the uppers still look good.

Can soccer cleats and other sports shoes be donated?

Yes, many organizations accept reusable athletic footwear.

Check that cleats or studs are secure, soles are intact and the footwear still provides reasonable structure and support. Keep matching pairs together and remove excessive mud or grass before donating them.

Can winter boots be donated during the summer?

Yes. Seasonal footwear can still be donated outside the season when an organization accepts it year-round.

Some organizations change their needs throughout the year, so it is worth checking before making a special trip if you are donating highly seasonal footwear.

Can shoes with a strong odour be donated?

Shoes with a mild smell that disappears after cleaning and drying may still be suitable.

Footwear with persistent strong odours, mould, mildew or contamination should not be donated. If normal cleaning does not make the shoes reasonably fresh and hygienic, they are unlikely to be appropriate for reuse.

What should I do with shoes that are too damaged to donate?

Do not put unusable shoes into a donation bin simply to get rid of them.

If footwear is too damaged, contaminated or worn out for reuse, check the City of Toronto Waste Wizard for the current disposal or recycling instructions that apply to that type of footwear.

Check the City of Toronto Waste Wizard

Donation Pickup Available Throughout Toronto

DonateYourStuff.ca shoe donation pickup is available throughout Toronto, including downtown Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, York and neighbourhoods across the east and west ends of the city.

A–D

Agincourt North, Agincourt South-Malvern West, Alderwood, Annex, Avondale, Banbury-Don Mills, Bathurst Manor, Bay-Cloverhill, Bayview Village, Bayview Woods-Steeles, Bedford Park-Nortown, Beechborough-Greenbrook, Bendale South, Bendale-Glen Andrew, Birchcliffe-Cliffside, Black Creek, Blake-Jones, Briar Hill-Belgravia, Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills, Broadview North, Brookhaven-Amesbury, Cabbagetown-South St. James Town, Caledonia-Fairbank, Casa Loma, Centennial Scarborough, Church-Wellesley, Clairlea-Birchmount, Clanton Park, Cliffcrest, Corso Italia-Davenport, Danforth, Danforth-East York, Don Valley Village, Dorset Park, Dovercourt Village, Downsview, Downtown Yonge East and Dufferin Grove.

E–H

East End Danforth, East L’Amoreaux, East Willowdale, Edenbridge-Humber Valley, Eglinton East, Elms-Old Rexdale, Englemount-Lawrence, Eringate-Centennial-West Deane, Etobicoke City Centre, Etobicoke West Mall, Fenside-Parkwoods, Flemingdon Park, Forest Hill North, Forest Hill South, Fort York-Liberty Village, Glenfield-Jane Heights, Golfdale-Cedarbrae-Woburn, Greenwood-Coxwell, Guildwood, Harbourfront-CityPlace, Henry Farm, High Park North, High Park-Swansea, Highland Creek, Hillcrest Village, Humber Bay Shores, Humber Heights-Westmount, Humber Summit, Humbermede and Humewood-Cedarvale.

I–L

Ionview, Islington, Junction Area, Junction-Wallace Emerson, Keelesdale-Eglinton West, Kennedy Park, Kensington-Chinatown, Kingsview Village-The Westway, Kingsway South, L’Amoreaux West, Lambton Baby Point, Lansing-Westgate, Lawrence Park North, Lawrence Park South, Leaside-Bennington, Little Portugal and Long Branch.

M–P

Malvern East, Malvern West, Maple Leaf, Markland Wood, Milliken, Mimico-Queensway, Morningside, Morningside Heights, Moss Park, Mount Dennis, Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown, Mount Pleasant East, New Toronto, Newtonbrook East, Newtonbrook West, North Riverdale, North St. James Town, North Toronto, O’Connor-Parkview, Oakdale-Beverley Heights, Oakridge, Oakwood Village, Old East York, Palmerston-Little Italy, Parkwoods-O’Connor Hills, Pelmo Park-Humberlea, Playter Estates-Danforth, Pleasant View and Princess-Rosethorn.

R–T

Regent Park, Rexdale-Kipling, Rockcliffe-Smythe, Roncesvalles, Rosedale-Moore Park, Runnymede-Bloor West Village, Rustic, Scarborough Village, South Eglinton-Davisville, South Parkdale, South Riverdale, St. Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, St. Andrew-Windfields, Steeles, Stonegate-Queensway, Tam O’Shanter-Sullivan, Taylor-Massey, The Beaches, Thistletown-Beaumond Heights, Thorncliffe Park and Trinity-Bellwoods.

U–Y

University, Victoria Village, Wellington Place, West Hill, West Humber-Clairville, West Queen West, West Rouge, Westminster-Branson, Weston, Weston-Pelham Park, Wexford/Maryvale, Willowdale West, Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview, Woburn North, Woodbine Corridor, Woodbine-Lumsden, Wychwood, Yonge-Bay Corridor, Yonge-Doris, Yonge-Eglinton, Yonge-St. Clair, York University Heights and Yorkdale-Glen Park.