At DSW, we believe your donated shoes can make all the difference. And we think that should be celebrated! So we named August 15 National Shoe Donation Day, dedicating one day a year to giving shoes to those in need thanks to our ongoing partnership with the DSW Foundation and Soles4Souls. The holiday is specifically timed within the back-to-school season, when kids need new pairs and parents need to find new homes for their suddenly too-tight faves. (Did you know kids grow out of their shoes every 4-6 months on average?) Plus, when you donate, you earn points toward Rewards you can use for new shoes. It’s a win-win.
History of National Shoe Donation Day
In the early 2000s, an effort to collect items for families and individuals who lost their homes and belongings during natural disasters (such as Hurricane Katrina) created an increased need for shoe donation programs. Answering that call, Soles4Souls was founded in 2006 with the mission to wear out poverty. While DSW had already been collecting shoe donations in stores, the nationwide shoe retailer officially began its partnership with Soles4Souls in 2018 to further its mission of making shoes accessible for all. Pairing the partnership with the launch of their VIP loyalty program, DSW offered points for donations that ultimately help customers earn Rewards. The initiative hit 10 million donations in less than four years. Customers can also donate money at check out in DSW stores or donate available Rewards, and over $4 million has been made in direct donations.
DSW believes in the power of shoes and how a great pair of shoes can create opportunities for children to attend school and individuals to pursue education and a successful career. Through Soles4Souls, shoes are distributed to international partners who work with entrepreneurs to sell donated shoes. These microenterprises not only give new life to each pair of shoes, they create the ability for entrepreneurs to maintain an ongoing business.
Donated shoes are also a step toward a more sustainable planet and to date, over 12 million pounds of shoes have been diverted out of landfills, thanks to DSW’s shoe donation program.
In 2025, DSW named August 15 “National Shoe Donation Day” to dedicate a single day each year to giving shoes. To help drive even more donations, they launched their Annual Shoe It Forward Event to draw attention to the holiday and align with the back-to-school season, where families are looking to donate pre-loved shoes that no longer fit their children’s feet.
Donations continue to pour in all year long and the goal is to reach 21 million pairs by the year 2030.
National Shoe Donation Day timeline
The non-profit organization Soles4Souls is founded with the mission to wear out poverty through shoe donation.
DSW launches its loyalty program, DSW VIP, partnering with Soles4Souls and offering VIP points for donations.
DSW VIP shoe donation reaches 10 million shoes donated.
DSW Names August 15 “National Shoe Donation Day,” creating a dedicated yearly event around giving shoes.
How To Observe National Shoe Donation Day
1. Donate shoes at your DSW stores!
2. Donate dollars at check out in your DSW store (or donate available Rewards).
3. Tell your friends to donate!
National Shoe Donation Day FAQs
How do I donate?
Bring new or gently worn shoes to your DSW store. Make sure you let an associate at the register know in order to receive your points, then add your shoes to the shoe donation box!
Where do shoe donations go?
Shoe donations are given to the non-profit organization Soles4Souls, who in turn gives the shoes to entrepreneurs in developing countries. The entrepreneurs then sell the shoes, creating a sustainable business that allows them to afford housing, food, and education.
Why donate at DSW vs. somewhere else?
When you give at DSW, you are helping to create microenterprises through Soles4Souls. Your shoes get more than just a second life, they help build a life for someone who would otherwise be in need. Plus, you get Rewarded. With 50 points every week you donate, you earn money toward new pairs at DSW.
Shoes = opportunities!
Shoes donated at DSW are given to Soles4Souls to create microenterprises: entrepreneurs in developing countries who sell the shoes and ultimately creating a business that leads to income and opportunity.
The environmental impact
Every pair of shoes donated keeps 1.5lbs out of landfills.
Local community support
DSW has created opportunities for associates to experience shoe donation firsthand, traveling to different places in the world where DSW and Soles4Souls are helping local communities to deliver the shoes in person.
Loyalty points
DSW VIP loyalty members received 50 points for each week they donate. This is halfway to a $5 Reward.
Supporting daily needs
Profits from the microenterprises allow families and individuals to pursue opportunities and sustain daily needs, including food and housing.
Why National Shoe Donation Day is Important
Corporate social responsibility
DSW believes it is important as a large corporation to be part of the solution, always giving back to the community that helps us thrive.
It has a positive environmental impact
It’s nearly impossible to recycle shoes. So DSW knew there had to be another way. Every pair donated creates new life for those in need and keeps shoes out of landfills.
Everyone deserves shoes!
At DSW, we believe shoes are for everyone and shoe donation is a way to make sure that mission comes to life.
National Shoe Donation Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 15 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 15 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 15 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 15 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August 15 | Wednesday |
