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SatMay 10

One Day Without Shoes – May 10, 2025

One Day Without Shoes is celebrated on May 10 every year. It’s to raise awareness about how shoes can affect a child’s life. For some people, shoes are not a big deal, just another basic that one can always afford. But, for other people, shoes can be a luxury, something they can hardly afford. Millions of children around the globe are not fortunate enough to have shoes to protect their feet. One Day Without Shoes is for us to join the experience of going through the day shoeless.

History of One Day Without Shoes

One Day Without Shoes was created by the company Toms Shoes in 2007. It started when Blake Mycoskie, the founder, went on vacation to Argentina in 2006, where he met a woman delivering shoes to children. He offered to help, and along the way, he saw that many children were barefoot. Realizing that a lack of shoes was a significant problem in Argentina, he came up with an idea for his company. He decided to develop simple canvas slip-on shoes with the “one for one” business model, also known as “buy one, give one.”

For every pair sold, the company would give a new pair of shoes for free to young people of Argentina and other developing nations. In 2006, 10,000 pairs were sold, and in October, the company distributed the first batch of 10,000 pairs of free shoes in Argentina. In November the following year, children in South Africa got their free shoes. Since April 2009, 140,000 pairs of shoes had been distributed to children in Argentina, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the United States. As of 2012, the company has given away more than one million pairs in 40 countries.

The lack of shoes can become an issue because there can be a risk of infection and disease arising from it, such as podoconiosis. Podoconiosis is said to affect an estimated four million people globally. It’s a form of elephantiasis caused by long-term contact of feet with irritant red clay soil of volcanic origins. That’s why shoes can become a preventive measure. Consistent use of footwear and attention to foot hygiene can prevent people, particularly those living around red clay soil, from this disease.

One Day Without Shoes timeline

2006
Free Pairs of Shoes

The first batch of 10,000 pairs of free shoes is distributed in Argentina by Toms Shoes.

2007
One Day Without Shoes

One Day Without Shoes is celebrated by Toms Shoes to raise awareness about how shoes can affect a child’s life.

2014
TOMS Roasting Co.

The company launches TOMS Roasting Co., with every purchase helping to provide safe water to people in need.

2019
The Business Model

Toms Shoes no longer uses the “one for one” business model.

One Day Without Shoes FAQs

Does Africa need shoes?

Most Africans prefer sandals to shoes, unless for work or ceremonial functions.

Is a shoe business profitable?

An average shoe store makes about 851,076 U.S.D. in sales, with a profit of about 127,363 U.S.D. for the owner.

Who is the top shoe company?

Nike is the top shoe company, being the largest footwear company by market.

How to Observe One Day Without Shoes

  1. Go shoeless

    As the title says, today’s the day without shoes. Go about your day without wearing a pair of shoes. It may be your first time doing it outdoors, and it can be fun.

  2. Tell people

    While you’re doing activities shoeless, take some photos to share on your social media. Let your friends know about this day, and what’s behind the celebration.

  3. Donate shoes

    If you have a collection of shoes on the rack, you may want to consider donating one or two pairs. Some of the shoes may not be used often. Donate your shoes to people in need.

5 Facts About Canvas You Need To Know

  1. It’s initially made from hemp

    Before cotton became popular, hemp was the material used to make the canvas, and the word canvas was derived from the Old French word ‘chenevas,’ which means ‘hemp.’

  2. It’s water-resistant by nature

    Canvas is naturally water-resistant because when the fibers become damp, they swell, preventing more water from entering through the material.

  3. It’s sturdy material

    Canvas won’t get easily torn when dragged frequently.

  4. There are two basic types

    Two basic types of canvas are plain canvas (very coarse) and duck canvas (smoother).

  5. It’s can be dyed easily

    Canvas is easy to dye and makes the dyed color retain well.

Why One Day Without Shoes is Important

  1. It’s to raise awareness

    Through One Day Without Shoes, more people will realize how a pair of shoes can change one’s life for the better. Besides, we can more appreciate basic things in life.

  2. It can be fun

    Trying to do your daily activities without wearing shoes can be fun. It may be the first time you do it. Your feet will feel a little lighter.

  3. It’s a time to donate

    Some of us may have more shoes than needed. One Day Without Shoes can be the time to give away our gently used shoes to others who need them more.

One Day Without Shoes dates

Year Date Day
2025 May 10 Saturday
2026 May 10 Sunday
2027 May 10 Monday
2028 May 10 Wednesday
2029 May 10 Thursday