Recycled sneakers find new homes in Hampton Roads thanks to Running ETC and last updated 2021-04-09 09:24:00-04 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - If you have done any spring cleaning lately you may have found some old sneakers lying around, but don't toss them in the trash. Running ETC, with locations in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, will recycle them for you. "What's worn out for us as runners is a blessing for someone that doesn't have footwear," said Michael Robinson. Michael Robinson owns Running ETC and said back in the 1980s he had the idea to recycle old trainers. "We were trying to get rid of our shoes that we didn't need, but felt they were still usable for someone who needed some footwear," he said. "Word kind of spread to the local high schools and then coaches starting coming and getting shoes."