National Go Barefoot Day: A Celebration of Freedom and Giving

National Go Barefoot Day is an annual event celebrated on June 1st. It encourages people to ditch their shoes and embrace the joy of walking barefoot while raising awareness about those who lack access to proper footwear. This day is also a call to action, inspiring donations of shoes to underprivileged communities worldwide.

Quick Facts

• When is it?: June 1st (annually)
• Tagged as: Charity, Awareness, Nature
• What’s the hashtag?: #GoBarefootDay
• When was it founded?: 2004
• Who founded it?: Soles4Souls, following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

History of National Go Barefoot Day

National Go Barefoot Day was established by the non-profit organization Soles4Souls in response to the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The event aims to provide footwear to those in need, especially in impoverished areas where lack of shoes can hinder education, work, and health. Since its inception, over 19 million pairs of shoes have been donated globally.

Timeline

• 2004: Indian Ocean tsunami devastates communities, inspiring the creation of this day.
• 2005: Soles4Souls begins collecting and distributing donated shoes.
• 2015: National Go Barefoot Day gains online traction with widespread mentions.
• Today: Millions participate globally by going barefoot and donating shoes.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	June 01	Sunday
2026	June 01	Monday
2027	June 01	Tuesday
2028	June 01	Thursday
2029	June 01	Friday
2030	June 01	Saturday

Observed

This day is observed annually on June 1st by walking barefoot, organizing shoe donation drives, or simply reflecting on the privilege of owning footwear.

Fun Facts About National Go Barefoot Day

• Walking barefoot improves foot mechanics, balance, and posture.
• The day highlights that over one billion people worldwide live without adequate footwear.
• Going barefoot can enhance sensory experiences and mindfulness.

Quiz

1. What year was National Go Barefoot Day founded?
2. Which organization created this day?
3. What is the primary goal of this holiday?

(Answers: 1. 2004; 2. Soles4Souls; 3. To donate shoes to underprivileged communities.)

FAQs

• Why is this day important?
  It raises awareness about global poverty and promotes health benefits of going barefoot.
• How can I participate?
  Go barefoot for a day or donate shoes to organizations like Soles4Souls.

Related

• World Humanitarian Day
• International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
• Giving Tuesday

Celebrate National Go Barefoot Day by freeing your feet and helping others step into a better future!