Footwear brands and retailers are increasingly participating in charitable causes, giving back to their communities and making a positive impact on society. These initiatives not only help those in need but also showcase the brands‘ commitment to social responsibility. Here is a roundup of some recent charitable efforts by footwear brands and retailers:
In August 2024, sneaker retailer The Athlete’s Foot teamed up with the Refugee Life Association, Youth Guidance, and the Community Retail Association for the Back 2 School Kicks event in Chicago. The event provided students from underserved neighborhoods with new sneakers, backpacks, and school supplies, along with athletic activities and lunch.
New Jersey-based nonprofit Sole Scholars Foundation hosted the „Pleasantville Champion Packs: Elevate Your Game, Elevate Your Grades“ event in August 2024. The foundation distributed school supplies and essentials to students in the Title I school district of Pleasantville, aiming to hand out 1,500 backpacks.
Hawaiian footwear brand OluKai made significant charitable efforts following a wildfire in Lahaina. The brand’s Ama OluKai Foundation contributed to organizations supporting teachers, youth survivors, and environmental initiatives in the area.
World Shoe, an Africa-based antimicrobial shoe brand, partnered with Pan African Youth Union and CouldYou? to donate 500,000 pairs of shoes and 50,000 menstrual cups to individuals in need across 15 African countries.
Soles4Souls raised $315,000 at its Race4EveryKid event, providing 15,750 pairs of shoes to children experiencing homelessness in the United States.
DTLR and Puma hosted an event in Indiana, donating bikes and helmets to local youth and offering free shoe customizations.
Caleres reached a $1 million milestone in donations to Soles4Souls, supporting the 4EveryKid initiative to provide new shoes to students experiencing homelessness.
J.A.Y. Academy, founded by sneaker retail entrepreneur Eric „Shake“ James, hosted its annual Adopt a Family event in Milwaukee, fulfilling the Christmas lists of 110 local kids and providing them with shoes, clothes, and school supplies.
Lâmo Sheepskin Inc. donated over 6,000 pairs of shoes to Maui residents affected by wildfires, distributing the donations through the Red Cross.
Foot Locker partnered with Fred Jordan Missions for the 35th annual ‚Care for Kids‘ Back-to-School Giveaway in Los Angeles, providing support to over 3,000 underserved children.
Johnston & Murphy partnered with the Ted Rhodes Foundation for the Ted Rhodes Charity Golf Classic, supporting youth golf programs and initiatives.
The Shoe Surgeon collaborated with 7-Eleven Inc. and college football players to create custom cleats for the Cleat Crew program, with proceeds benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Skechers‘ Bobs from Skechers division donated over $10 million since 2015 to support animal welfare organizations and save 1.9 million dogs and cats in need.
Burlington Stores gifted 1,000 teachers with $500,000 for school supplies, impacting 25,000 students and encouraging customers to support AdoptAClassroom.org.
Rack Room Shoes awarded scholarships to employees and teachers, supporting their educational goals and commitment to their communities.
JCPenney donated $300,000 to support The Walking Classroom program, providing educational opportunities and resources to students in need.
NIB Trust Fund partnered with Hudson’s Bay Foundation to support Indigenous communities in Canada, with a $1.2 million commitment over three years.
FDRA teamed up with Soles4Souls to raise funds for children experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC, providing new shoes to those in need.
Stuart Weitzman made a donation to support tennis and athletic facilities in Jerusalem and Ramat Hasharon, benefiting underserved youth.
Keen Utility announced the recipients of its She Builds Grant Program, supporting the empowerment of women entering the skilled trades.
Kohl’s donated $2 million to Children’s Wisconsin to support mental health walk-in clinics and provide free meals to kids through the Milwaukee Summer Meals program.
Pacsun continued its partnership with the Los Angeles Rams, pledging $1 million in product donations to benefit youth in the community.
These initiatives showcase the commitment of footwear brands and retailers to making a positive impact on society and giving back to their communities. By supporting various charitable causes, these brands are not only providing essential resources to those in need but also promoting social responsibility and community engagement.