Soles4Souls is a nonprofit organization committed to creating sustainable jobs, providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing, and protecting the planet by reducing textile waste. Since its founding in 2006, Soles4Souls has repurposed more than 83 million pairs of shoes and items of clothing, delivering support to people in need across 137 countries and every U.S. state.
Operating at the intersection of social impact and the circular economy, Soles4Souls collects new and gently used footwear and apparel from individuals, retailers, and manufacturers. These items are either distributed as humanitarian aid or used in micro-enterprise programs that help entrepreneurs in developing countries build small businesses. This approach not only ensures access to affordable footwear but also creates sustainable sources of income for families in vulnerable communities.
Soles4Souls also focuses on supporting children experiencing homelessness in the United States through its 4EveryKid initiative. By partnering with schools, the organization provides new athletic shoes to help children feel confident, stay active, and fully participate in school life.
As a strong advocate for circularity, Soles4Souls runs the 4ThePlanet program, which extends the life of every item collected and keeps millions of pounds of textiles out of landfills each year. The organization’s impact is measured not only in waste diverted, but in lives improved.
Soles4Souls believes that something as simple as a pair of shoes can be a foundation for lasting change. By connecting excess with need, the organization is helping to reshape the fashion system and improve the future for individuals and communities around the world.
