One Day Without Shoes
May 10, Saturday
When is it celebrated?
The holiday is observed annually in May, with the exact date varying, but it often falls in the second week of the month. The initiative began in 2007 by TOMS Shoes.
Why is this day important?
Millions of people worldwide don't own a single pair of shoes. This affects not only comfort but also health, safety, and the ability to attend school or work. One Day Without Shoes helps:
- Raise awareness about poverty issues
- Draw attention to the consequences of not having shoes
- Encourage charitable initiatives and donations
- Support social campaigns and organizations that provide for the needy
How can you participate?
- Spend the day barefoot—at home, outdoors, or at the office
- Share photos and stories on social media with the hashtag #OneDayWithoutShoes
- Organize events or flash mobs in schools and companies
- Donate shoes or money to charitable organizations
- Hold discussions or lessons with children and youth about poverty and empathy
Interesting facts
- TOMS gives away one pair of shoes to those in need for every pair sold
- Over 100 million pairs of shoes have been donated since the campaign's inception
- The campaign is based on the "One for One" principle
- Schools, universities, celebrities, and ordinary people worldwide participate
Why does it matter?
One Day Without Shoes is not just a flash mob. It's a reminder of how dependent we are on everyday items and how their absence can impact someone's life. It's also an opportunity to show compassion and contribute to changing the world—even through something as simple as a day without shoes.