Children holding donated shoes on National Shoe The World Day

National Shoe The World Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of proper footwear and helping millions worldwide who lack access to shoes. Over 500 million children, teens, and adults globally walk barefoot daily, facing health risks and social barriers.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: March 15th annually
  • Tagged as: Global awareness and charitable giving day
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalShoeTheWorldDay
  • When was it founded?: March 2014
  • Who founded it?: Donald Zsemonadi and the United Indigenous People in Fontana, California

History of National Shoe The World Day

The day was established to address the critical need for footwear globally. Living without proper footwear can lead to numerous health issues, including infections, injuries, and parasitic diseases. Additionally, lack of shoes can prevent access to education and employment opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Timeline

  • 2014: Foundation of National Shoe The World Day
  • 2015: First major nationwide shoe collection drives launched
  • 2016: Establishment of nine distribution centers across the United States
  • 2020: Achieved record-breaking shoe donations globally

Dates by Next Year

YearDateDay
2025March 15Saturday
2026March 15Sunday
2027March 15Monday
2028March 15Wednesday
2029March 15Thursday

How It’s Observed

People worldwide participate in shoe drives, fundraising events, and volunteer at distribution centers. Communities organize collection points and awareness campaigns to help those in need of footwear.

Fun Facts About National Shoe The World Day

  • Half a billion people worldwide lack proper footwear
  • In sub-Saharan Africa, over 20 million children have no shoes
  • Some children only own one pair of oversized shoes to “grow into”
  • Schools and businesses often ban entry to those without proper footwear

Quiz

  1. How many people globally lack proper footwear?
  2. What date is National Shoe The World Day?
  3. In which year was this day established?
    (Answers: 500 million, March 15, 2014)

FAQs

Q: How do shoes protect our feet?
A: Shoes protect from sharp objects, infections, and environmental elements while providing support and impact absorption.

Q: Are both feet always the same size?
A: No, one foot is often slightly larger than the other.

Importance of National Shoe The World Day

The day highlights how proper footwear impacts health, education, and economic opportunities. It serves as a catalyst for global action to provide shoes to those in need, helping break cycles of poverty and improve quality of life.

Related

  • World Humanitarian Day
  • National Make A Difference Day
  • National Day of Giving
  • World Consumer Rights Day