How many tyres are discarded each year (and how to reuse them in footwear)

Every year, millions of tyres are discarded; with TireSoul's recycled rubber strips, we can transform them into durable and sustainable soles, allowing us to take conscious and stylish steps.

February 27, 2026

Every year, millions of tyres reach the end of their useful life and end up in landfills or polluting rivers. In Europe alone, around 3 million tonnes are discarded, and in the United States, more than 250 million. This waste takes decades to degrade and can release toxic substances.

This problem presents an opportunity: giving tyres a new lease of life by recycling them into shoe soles. With TireSoul, used tyres are transformed into recycled rubber strips ready for artisans and brands to create durable and sustainable footwear.

Transforming tyres into soles

Each Tiresoul band undergoes a cleaning, selection and calibration process, allowing our customers to create durable, flexible soles that are ready for work. Thus, a tyre that would end up in a landfill is transformed into a shoe with history and character, ready to accompany footsteps for years to come.

Environmental and creative benefits

Reusing tyres reduces waste, saves resources and cuts emissions, promoting the circular economy. It also offers unique creative possibilities: varied thicknesses and textures, customised soles and exclusive finishes that reflect the history of the material.

How to get started

  1. Choose the right Tiresoul band based on thickness and texture.
  2. Cut and prepare the sole according to your design.
  3. Apply adhesive and pressure for a durable bond.

Each step creates quality footwear and contributes to a more sustainable world.

Join the change!

Discarded tyres are a huge environmental problem, but also an opportunity for innovation. With Tiresoul, they are transformed into durable, resistant soles with a history, taking conscious and sustainable steps with every pair of shoes.

Further Reading
Back to the Routine: Is It Time to Check Your Shoe Soles?
Inspecting and repairing the soles of office shoes, school footwear, sneakers, and boots before returning to daily routines prevents postural injuries and ensures maximum traction for the new season. Opting to resole with recycled rubber is the most economical and sustainable way to step into September with renewed, durable footwear.
Why Does Hot Asphalt Wear Down Shoe Soles More in Summer? The Science Behind Summer Abrasion
We explain how tarmac can reach temperatures of up to 65 °C in summer, causing sensitive soles such as EVA or TPU to soften and wear out quickly. We highlight recycled rubber as the most abrasion-resistant option for summer wear and offer practical tips on how to extend the life of your footwear.