Many of the things we take for granted every day are essential to millions of people around the globe. These include electricity and medical care. You might also overlook the simple, basic things that are so important to us. Shoes is one of these.

Try. For a moment, imagine being able to do virtually all the things that you do every day without shoes. What number of sharp, small stones or even pieces glass could you possibly get in your feet while walking to the shop or work? How could you kick a ball and not bend your toes backwards?

How much more susceptible are your feet to getting infected if the millions of bacteria that cover the ground get into a small cut or bitten by a mosquito? So, while life without shoes is less comfortable and more dangerous than life with shoes, it is estimated that approximately 300 million people are currently so poor that they can’t afford shoes.

One Day Without Shoes Day was established to help those who have never experienced extreme poverty, put themselves in the shoes of those who live without and raise money to address the problem.

One Day Without Shoes Day was started by Toms Shoes, a Californian company. It aims to raise awareness about the many problems that a lack of shoes can have in the lives and communities of children living in poverty. Blake Mycoskie (the owner of Toms Shoes) visited Argentina in 2006 to see how many children were walking barefoot on the streets.

He soon discovered that the lack of shoes in Argentina was a bigger problem than he thought. He decided to start a shoe company to assist these children, as a lack of shoes can often have a negative impact on their lives and discourage them from going to school, making it easier for them to get infections.

Mycoskie came up with the idea of a “one-for-one” business model. This meant that for every pair sold by his company, he would donate a pair of shoes to shoeless children in Argentina and other developing nations. In October 2006, the first 10,000 pairs were given away to Argentinian children.

This is a great way to celebrate. You can decide to live without shoes for one day so that you can see how leather and rubber can make a difference in your life. It is possible to convince your family and friends to do the same. The more people who are aware of the problem the better.

You could also purchase a pair of Toms shoes so that another pair can go to an orphan child. You don’t necessarily need another pair of shoes. Instead, go through your clothes and shoes to find any that you still have and donate them to charities that help the less fortunate. Every little bit helps!

Tom informed us that they no longer support this day. Days Of The Year will continue to keep this day on the calendar, as thousands of people celebrate and share it. We are grateful for your support over the years of this admiral cause.