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
Soles with a memory: The hidden language in the pattern of your Tiresoul
Discover how to read the history of your soles and choose between the elegance of summer (V), the strength of winter (I2) or the iconic versatility of all four seasons (C and C2).
From the tarmac to the catwalk: The evolution of biker style and the new industrial luxury
Fashion is no longer just about beauty; it’s about history and resilience. In this article, we explore how the biker aesthetic has evolved from garages to haute couture, transforming industrial materials into the new standard of sustainable luxury.