Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sneakers for Soldiers' mission?
The mission of Sneakers for Soldiers, Inc. is to provide properly fitted athletic shoes to 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 of new sneakers to the morale and physical well-being of service members is most significant.
Are all branches of the military supported by your program?
Yes, as long as the troops are deployed in Designated Combat Zones and Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Areas.
Does the Military provide sneakers for deployed soldiers?
The US Military has recognized the fact that sneakers are an essential item for soldiers and they are in the early stages of providing athletic shoes to new service members (recruits). However, deployed soldiers are currently not beneficiaries of this new program. Sneakers for Soldiers offers us all the opportunity to show our support for our deployed troops and to do so in a way that is practical and furthers the current efforts of the US Military.
What is unique about your program?
The uniqueness of our program is that the soldiers are able to select the brand and style that best fits their feet and needs from 10 high quality athletic shoes. Ordering is customized for each soldier. We then purchase the sneakers at a generous discount, through monetary donations that we receive.
How many sneaker styles do you offer?
Do you prefer certain brands of sneakers?
Our mission is to support the troops. We do our best to fulfill their specific requests from the 10 styles of sneakers that we offer and do not favor any manufacturer brands.
Can we send sneakers to you?
We do not accept sneakers (in kind donations) Why not? Because each soldier chooses the brand and style of sneaker that is best for their feet and needs. All feet are different. All needs are different.
How much does a pair of sneakers cost?
Our average cost is $75 (retail: $150 – $175), plus $10 shipping per pair. Our shoe supplier, Bryn Mawr Running Company, provides sneakers to us at a deeply discounted rate, effectively at cost. This is not a partnership they profit from. It is solely to do good with an organization they fully believe in and support.
We have also been able to secure additional discounts from major athletic footwear manufacturers. Athletic footwear costs have increased since Sneakers for Soldiers was formed in 2018, but we have been able to keep the average cost the same ($75) due to these discounts.
Your donation buys the soldiers more shoe per dollar than if you bought a pair of sneakers on your own due to the discounts that we receive.
How much does it cost to ship sneakers?
Shipping costs depend on the size and weight of box – average $10/pair.
What if I want to donate less than the cost of a sneaker
EVERY donation helps to purchase sneakers for our soldiers – EVERY dollar is appreciated.
How else can I help?
- Spread the word about our mission throughout your communities and social media. https://www.facebook.com/sneakersforsoldiers/
- Reach out to us for fundraising opportunities.
Will a soldier know I helped purchase a sneaker?
To further personalize the gift, every pair of sneakers will have a tag attached with a donor’s first name/state or organization’s name/state to show a soldier that you care.
Does Sneakers for Soldiers have employees?
No, we are 100% volunteer. All our board members are donors and volunteers.
Are my donations tax deductible?
Sneakers for Soldiers is a 501c3 organization, EIN# 83-2554857. Please consult your tax advisor for specific information.
Can I make a Required Minimum Distribution directly from my IRA to Sneaker for Soldiers?
Yes. If you are subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your IRA, you may make gifts totaling up to $100,000 a year directly from your IRA to Sneakers for Soldiers, a qualified charitable organization (501c3). This may allow you to exclude your distribution from your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Please consult with your tax or investment adviser for additional details.
How are the organization’s donations spent?
We continue to spend 96% of the donations for sneakers and shipping costs. The remaining 4% is used for essential general and administrative expenses such as: shipping supplies (1.71%), website/domain fees, tags, cards, stamps, brochures, legal filings and accounting fees (2.29%). Sneakers for Soldiers is an all volunteer organization.