Supporting our troops where they need it most—their feet and their morale.
Athletic shoes, a critical item for deployed soldiers, are not supplied by the military.
Given the extreme temperatures, harsh environment and rugged terrain of where our combat troops are deployed, daily exercise wreaks havoc on their athletic shoes and frequently creates the need for a new pair. The benefits of daily exercise are numerous in managing stress levels and in staying strong, but exercising in worn-out shoes is just as bad as exercising in the wrong shoe. It increases the stress and impact on joints which can cause injuries. Studies have also shown that time spent out of boots, in properly fitting athletic shoes is critical to the health of our soldiers’ feet.
Recognizing this need, Sneakers for Soldiers provides a practical way to support our troops by replacing their worn-out athletic shoes. The uniqueness of the program is that we have devised a way for each soldier to choose a sturdy athletic shoe that best fits their feet. By protecting physical health during active duty, we strengthen outcomes and contribute to the lifelong well-being of service members—underscoring the essential and lasting impact of our work.
With the support of individuals and organizations from around the country, we are able to purchase high quality sneakers at a discounted price and send them to US service members deployed in Designated Combat Zones and Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Areas such as Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Chad, Kenya, Libya, Lebanon, Yemen, Djibouti, Jordon, Kuwait, Niger (pre 9/2024), and Afghanistan (pre 9/2021), where the impact on morale, physical, and mental well-being is significant.
Sneakers Shipped Soldiers Supported
Behind the Operations
The idea for Sneakers for Soldiers began with a phone call from John and Deborah’s son while he was serving in Afghanistan, requesting a new pair of sneakers. Discovering that this critical item was not supplied to deployed soldiers, John and Deborah formed Sneakers for Soldiers in April 2018. It’s a remarkable story of people quickly coming together, in support of soldiers deployed in Designated Combat Zones and Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Areas, because they recognized that feet are our soldiers’ foundation.
Sneakers for Soldiers started as a gesture of motherly love. Now our all volunteer operation has sent shoes to thousands of deployed military members and our supporters have helped us keep going strong.
The Impact On Our Soldiers Has Reached The Media
Our organization is growing and has gained attention locally and nationally!
On July 22, 2019, we were featured on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir on his America Strong segment. The next night, on July 23, 2019, he featured us again after the overwhelming response.
A year later, on July 21, 2020, and again on July 23, David Muir brought us back to highlight the difference your donations have made and the appreciation from our deployed service members and their families.
Thank you to everyone who tuned helped share our story, and made donations. Most importantly, we thank you for letting our troops know you are standing behind them as they defend America.
Your Generosity is Greatly Appreciated
Through your monetary donations, Sneakers for Soldiers can continue to supply high quality sneakers to men and women deployed in Designated Combat Zones and Imminent Danger Areas.
To pay via credit card, click the button below. To pay via check, please make it out to “Sneakers for Soldiers” and mail to PO Box 454, Chester Springs, PA 19425.
96% of the donations are spent on athletic shoes for the soldiers and shipping.
The Soldiers are very grateful for their sneakers and your generosity.
