How to Get Free Shoes for Low Income Families: Resources & Tips

Footwear can be expensive so it’s important for low income people to know how to get free shoes. After all, you need a comfortable, sturdy pair for daily tasks like work, school and recreation.

It’s frustrating because the cheap options from low-cost retailers like Walmart just seem to get more flimsy each year. My children have always gone through shoes quickly, but in the last few years it seems like we’re constantly buying new ones. It can be a significant strain on our budget!

In this guide, we’ll help you find ways that you can get free shoes. This will help you and your loved ones have the footwear you need without breaking the bank

Free Shoe Charities

No matter where you live in the United States, you may be able to get help from the national charities on this list. For even more ways to get help near you, check out the local section below.

Samaritan’s Feet

Samaritan’s Feet provides free shoes for seniors, students and more! It appears that there are several ways that you can get help from this organization. Students in Omaha can simply fill out a form to request free shoes. In other areas, you may need to attend one of their events.

Shoes for School

If you have a child who needs a new pair of shoes for school, you may be able to get a $65 gift card from a charity called Shoes for School. This organization gives you the freedom to select the size and style of shoe that works best for your child.

In order to get a voucher, you’ll need to fill out the application form on the Shoes for School website.

Shoes for the Homeless

Homeless people in Los Angeles and across America may be able to receive free shoes from the organization called Shoes for the Homeless. This organization serves adults and children in need through a network of local partners.

To get shoes from this organization, you’ll usually need to connect with a local nonprofit that works for them. Check your local homeless shelters for details.

Soles 4 Souls

The Soles 4 Souls program provides a new pair of shoes to those who need them. They accept requests from individuals but prioritize giving shoes to nonprofits who request them.

You can fill out the Shoes 4 Souls request form to ask for a pair of shoes. Remember, you may have greater success if a caseworker, case manager, or volunteer from a local nonprofit files the application on your behalf.

Shoes that Fit

Shoes that Fit is a nonprofit organization that provides a free pair of athletic shoes to eligible low income kids. However, it is not clear how to apply for or receive those shoes.

The Shoes that Fit website has a lot of information about what their organization does. They also talk about how they’ve helped. But there is not a lot of information about how to get help from them.

Bleeding Disorder Foundation (Washington)

Bleeding Disorder Foundation of Washington can provide a free pair of athletic shoes to eligible people. To be eligible, you must be a Washington State resident that has a bleeding disorder or Sickle Cell.

If you qualify and are selected, you will receive a pair of shoes from certain brands like Nike, Adidas, or New Balance. You can choose the size, color and style of shoes that you want. It has to cost $75 or less.

You can request your free pair of shoes by filling out the form on their website.

Laces of Love (Florida)

Laces of Love provides free shoes for students in Southwest Florida. They’ve provided over 300,000 pairs of shoes to children who needed them. Shoes need to be requested by public school officials or partner nonprofits, so you’ll need to ask someone to fill out this application on your child’s behalf.

It’s From the Sole (New York)

It’s From the Sole distributes shoes to the homeless and less fortunate across New York City. They also serve people in other areas, including other countries, although it is not clear how that distribution is organized. Their website simply says that shoes are given out on a case-by-case basis.

My New Red Shoes (California)

My New Red Shoes serves low income children and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. The shoes are distributed by other community partners. You’ll need to connect with a nonprofit in the area that works with this organization in order to get shoes from them.

Sole Loved (Texas)

Sole Loved provides free shoes in the Sugar Land Texas area. They provide the shoes to schools, shelters and other organizations that serve people in need. You can learn more about this organization on the Sole Loved website.

Zapatos (Texas)

Zapatos can provide a free pair of tennis shoes for children in Bexar County, Texas. In rare circumstances like graduation, the organization may be able to provide a pair of dress shoes instead.

The request must be made by a school counselor, social worker or other school representative. You can ask them to fill out this form on the Zapatos website. Once the request is made, Zapatos will strive to provide the needed shoes within two days.

Other Ways to Get Free Shoes

Charities aren’t the only source of free shoes, either. From product testing to scouring Buy Nothing, here are some other strategies you can try.

Buy Nothing Groups

Buy Nothing groups groups where members give and receive items for free. Joining a Buy Nothing group can be an excellent way to find free shoes.

Start by searching for Buy Nothing groups in your area on Facebook or through the official Buy Nothing Project website. These groups are typically organized by neighborhood, making it easy to connect with people nearby.

Once you’re a member, you can post a request for shoes. Be specific about the sizes and types of shoes you need. For example, you could post, “In need of women’s size 8 sneakers for work” or “Looking for children’s shoes, size 3, for school.”

If your request is filled, make sure to express gratitude. Remember to give back to the group when you can!

Clothing Banks

Just like food banks provide food, clothing banks provide free clothing. Some of them may offer shoes at no cost. These items may be new or gently used.

Low Income Relief has a list of clothing banks. You can also call 211 or search online to find others in your area. When you visit a clothing bank, ask specifically about shoes. While many clothing banks offer a variety of clothing items, the availability of shoes can vary.

Company Giveaways

Many companies offer free shoes through corporate giveaways. For instance, GECKO MAN Footwear has a weekly giveaway program where they give away one free pair of shoes every Friday. To participate, simply subscribe to their email list and create an account using the same email address. Check your email every Friday to see if you’ve won! You can win up to two free pairs of shoes each year, as the company allows you to win once every six months.

Free Shoes for Medical Needs

If you need special shoes due to a medical condition like Diabetes, you may be able to get shoes at no cost to you. That’s because many insurance plans, including Medicare, can cover your shoes if they are considered medical equipment.

For example, No Cost Shoes can provide free shoes to diabetic patients once per year. You can also get three sets of custom inserts each year. Depending on your insurance coverage, these shoes may be provided at no cost to you.

Product Testing

One innovative way to get free shoes is through product testing programs. Many footwear companies and market research firms look for consumers to test new shoe designs and provide feedback. This not only helps companies improve their products but also gives you the opportunity to receive free shoes.

Sometimes, you will have to send the shoes back after you test them. However, some companies also let you keep the shoes! It just depends on each company’s policies.

Many well-known brands work with product testers. You usually need to register on their testing panel to get started. Registering is not a guarantee that you will receive shoes.

Here’s a list of shoe companies that accept product testers and a link to their registration websites:

• Adidas: Adidas allows product testers to register online. However, you should know that they also require you to ship the shoes back at the end of the test period.
• Brooks: Brooks allows new testers to join their product testing program. Some Redditors have said that Brooks allows you to keep the shoes.
• New Balance: It’s easy to apply to become a Balance Product Tester. It is not clear if you can keep the shoes.
• Nike: Testers need to fill out an online application and provide information about their activities and preferences.

Please note that you can only product test for one company. Most companies will not work with you if you have done tests for other companies.

Workforce Programs

Workforce programs are designed to help individuals gain and maintain employment. These programs may be able to help you get work-required footwear. If you need steel toed boots or other specific shoes for work, these programs may able to help.

How to Get Free Shoes Near You

Finding free shoes in your local area can be easier than you think. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to locate and secure free footwear:

• Call Your Local School: If you have a child in school, your local school should be your first point of contact. They often have connections with charities and programs that provide free shoes to students in need. School counselors and nurses can also offer valuable referrals and resources.
• Find Your Local Clothing Bank: Clothing banks are excellent resources for obtaining free shoes. Search online or ask at community centers, churches, and social service agencies to locate clothing banks in your area. Visit during their distribution hours to see what shoes they have available.
• Visit Community Centers and Churches: Community centers and churches frequently run shoe donation programs or clothing banks. Contact them to ask about any available resources or upcoming distribution events where you can get free shoes.
• Utilize Social Services: Contact your local social services office to inquire about programs that provide free shoes or clothing assistance for low income individuals and families. They can guide you through the application process and help you access the necessary resources.

You may be able to find free shoes near you if you follow these steps. Remember you can always call 211 for additional resources!

Relief Recap

Finding free shoes can significantly help low-income families. Reach out to local schools, clothing banks, workforce programs, and community centers for assistance. Use these resources in this post to ensure you and your family have the footwear you need.