A Silent Struggle
Across the Third World, a quiet crisis persists: millions lack shoes. In 2021, Tricontinental estimated 1 billion people live barefoot, including 300 million children in Africa unable to attend school due to this gap (Soles4Souls, 2020). Without shoes, they face health risks like hookworm and miss out on education—a key to breaking poverty’s cycle. While the global footwear industry churns out 24.3 billion pairs yearly, many who need them most can’t access them.
Efforts in Motion
Efforts to address this have grown. Since 2010, NGOs like Soles4Souls have donated over 50 million pairs, with a milestone of 1 million pairs reached by Shoes That Fit in 2022. In 2021, CARE International launched a footwear aid project in Ethiopia, targeting rural communities. These steps show dedication—yet the scale of need dwarfs these gains. Bare feet remain a stubborn barrier.
Milestones of Hope
The timeline tells a story of awareness and action:
2000: The shoe shortage crisis gains recognition, impacting billions.
2010: NGOs begin large-scale donations to bridge the gap.
2020: Charity-commerce models emerge, amplifying reach.
2024: ShoesNext joins the movement, adding our voice.
Joining the Effort
Everyone’s trying—NGOs, communities, and innovators alike.
At ShoesNext, we’re humbled to contribute. Our Trade-In program takes your old shoes, refurbishes them, and sends them to Africa’s kids, with over 1,500 pairs delivered since 2025. You get DIY accessories and a $10 code to keep the cycle going. It’s a small step, not a solution, but we believe in its ripple.
Beyond Charity
Charity alone can’t keep up. The energy of goodwill is vast but finite—millions still wait. That’s why linking it with commerce matters. By blending purpose with everyday choices—like trading in shoes or crafting your own pair—we can spark a steadier, broader impact. ShoesNext isn’t here to fix it all; we’re here to walk alongside others, hoping to turn waste into worth, one pair at a time.