National Day

National Shoe the World Day

Celebrated on 03/15/2026

Quick Fact

National Shoe the World Day, celebrated on March 15, encourages people to donate gently used shoes to those in need. The holiday was founded by the nonprofit organization Shoes for the World in 2013 to address the global need for footwear, as millions of people lack proper shoes to protect their feet from injury and disease.

Origins and Establishment of National Shoe the World Day

National Shoe the World Day was founded in 2013 by the nonprofit organization Shoes for the World, based in Portland, Oregon. The organization recognized that over 300 million children worldwide lack adequate footwear, leading to health issues and limited access to education. The day was established to raise awareness about this issue and encourage individuals and communities to donate new or gently used shoes. The first celebration involved shoe drives in several U.S. cities, collecting over 10,000 pairs.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, the holiday has grown significantly, with participation from schools, churches, and corporate partners. In 2015, the day expanded globally, with events in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, National Shoe the World Day is marked by shoe donation drives, fundraising events, and social media campaigns using the hashtag #ShoeTheWorld. Many organizations partner with local shelters and international aid groups to distribute shoes to those in need. The holiday has also inspired initiatives like “Shoe Recycling Day” and “Barefoot Challenges” to foster empathy.

Facts & General Observations

  • Approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide lack access to proper footwear, leading to soil-transmitted diseases like hookworm.
  • In the United States alone, an estimated 630 million pairs of shoes are thrown away each year, most of which end up in landfills.
  • Since its founding, National Shoe the World Day has facilitated the donation of over 2 million pairs of shoes to people in need across 50 countries.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.