DSW and Soles4Souls Say They Have Donated 11 Million Pairs of Shoes Through Longtime Partnership
Stephen Garner
Senior Editor
Billboard Women in Music 2025
Soles4Souls has reached a new donation milestone.
According to the organization, it has donated 11 million pairs of shoes through its partnership with DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse parent company, Designer Brands Inc.
Soles4Souls noted that it began its partnership with DSW in 2018 with the aim to donate millions of shoes to people in need while also supporting sustainability efforts through shoe repurposing and redistribution programs. The 11 million pairs donation milestone equates to one pair of shoes donated to Soles4Souls for every five pairs of shoes sold at DSW, the footwear organization noted.
“Soles4Souls is continually inspired by the incredible passion Designer Brands and their customers show in helping provide shoes to those who need them most,” Buddy Teaster, president and chief executive officer of Soles4Souls, said in a statement. “Their support has been instrumental in the impact we’ve achieved as an organization, and we deeply appreciate the generosity of our partners and their amazing customers.”
Amy Jo Donohew, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Designer Brands added that “giving back is at the heart” of what the company aims to do. “Partnering with Soles4Souls allows us to make a real difference in the world,” Donohew said. “Thanks to the generosity of our customers and the dedication of our team, we’re able to support communities around the world in a meaningful way and extend the lifecycle of shoes in the process.”
Looking ahead to Valentine’s Day, DSW is asking customers to “Give Shoes, Give Love” in support of its partnership with Soles4Souls. By donating new or gently used shoes, shoppers can help provide footwear to those in need, the retailer said.
Soles4Souls shoe donations are accepted at any of Designer Brands’ more than 600 DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse and The Shoe Co. stores across North America.
These donations from customers and partners like Designer Brands Inc. support the four main programs of the Soles4Souls mission: 4Opportunity, 4EveryKid, 4ThePlanet and 4Relief.
