Changing lives…one pair of new shoes at a time

Did you know that 1 in 5 American children is in desperate need of shoes?

When you give shoes to a child, you give so many other things like Hope, Dignity and Joy.

A new pair of shoes can be a life-changing event for a child. School staff tell us that students who participate in the Shoes That Fit program show an increase in:

88.4%

Self-esteem

71.7%

Participation in physical activities

62.8%

Improved behavior

44.1%

Report higher attendance

How you can help

Become a corporate sponsor

Start or find a local group

Donate

Our story

Founded in 1992, Shoes That Fit began by helping children at one elementary school in Pomona, CA.

To date, we’ve provided brand new shoes and other necessities to over 1.7 million children throughout the United States.

Our vision is that, one day, every child in America who needs new shoes gets new shoes, allowing all children the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

Step 1

We pair “sponsoring groups” — businesses, colleges, community service groups and other organizations — with children at schools in their communities.

Step 2

The school identifies the children most in need.

Step 3

The school staff custom measures the children with tools we provide.

Step 4

Brand new shoes are purchased by the sponsoring group and delivered to the school.

Step 5

Lives change.

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what teachers have to say about Shoes That Fit:

I love the smile that it puts on my student’s faces. It gives my kids an equal opportunity to be able to have good shoes in gym and increases their confidence.

The look the students give you when they put on their new shoes is priceless. It gives them a sense of relief that has a lasting impact on a daily basis. It also has an impact on the families by taking a burden off their hands. They’re so grateful their child has a nice pair of shoes that they can be proud of.

I love being able to have the resources necessary to respond to needs when they arise. We have so many “shoe emergencies!” Students may have shoes that literally have the sole falling off of them, a huge hole letting in cold air/moisture, or maybe their shoes are two sizes too small and creating discomfort or pain.

It’s nice to know that we’re able to provide a new pair of shoes to preserve their safety and ease their discomfort. This allows us to shift their focus back to activities that support their social, emotional and academic growth, instead of them being worried and sidetracked by this basic need.

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Shoes That Fit Celebrates 25 Years of Service in 2017!

event

25th Anniversary
Sneaker Ball Gala
A Success!

Thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, Board and committee chairs, our emcee Alonzo Bodden, special guest James Worthy, and Chuck Wansley After Hours, the Sneaker Ball was a success! It was a gre...