Nonprofit Provides New Shoes to Miami Valley Students

Shoes 4 the Shoeless aims to boost confidence and participation for children in need.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:09pm

A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a single athletic shoe in bright neon hues, conceptually representing the impact of providing new shoes to children in need.A vibrant visual celebration of the new shoes provided to local students by the Shoes 4 the Shoeless nonprofit.Today in Dayton

The nonprofit organization Shoes 4 the Shoeless is making a significant impact on children across the Miami Valley region by providing new athletic shoes to students in need. The program has helped thousands of local students gain not just proper footwear, but also a boost in confidence, comfort, and the ability to fully participate in school and everyday activities.

Why it matters

Access to basic necessities like proper shoes can be a barrier to education and social inclusion for many children from low-income families. Shoes 4 the Shoeless is addressing this need in the Dayton community, helping kids feel more confident and engaged in their schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

The details

Shoes 4 the Shoeless partners with local schools and organizations to identify students who lack access to new athletic shoes. The nonprofit then provides these children with brand-new, properly fitted shoes at no cost to the families. This not only meets a practical need, but also helps boost the students' self-esteem and ability to fully participate in physical education, sports, and other school functions.

  • Shoes 4 the Shoeless has been operating in the Dayton area for several years, helping thousands of local students.

The players

Shoes 4 the Shoeless

A nonprofit organization that provides new athletic shoes to students in need across the Miami Valley region.

John Forde

The area director for Shoes 4 the Shoeless who appeared on Good Day Dayton to discuss the organization's mission.

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What they’re saying

“Shoes 4 the Shoeless is making a lasting difference for children across the Miami Valley by providing new athletic shoes to kids in need.”

— John Forde, Area Director, Shoes 4 the Shoeless

What’s next

Shoes 4 the Shoeless is always seeking community support and donations to continue providing new shoes to local students in need. Individuals can learn more about how to get involved or contribute on the organization's website.

The takeaway

By addressing the basic need for proper footwear, Shoes 4 the Shoeless is empowering students in the Dayton area to feel more confident, comfortable, and engaged in their education and everyday lives.