Now, we all remember that day. That day back in the time when people didn't care if you ran around the classroom with two Lego 2x4’s sticking out of your nose. Back to that day when you played T-ball and played with blocks and Nerf footballs. You recite the saying over and over again in your head: Left over right. Bunny down the hole. Around the tree. You stare down at your size two Nikes. Where did your mom buy them for you? Olympia Sports? City Sports? A Nike Outlet, or store? You can’t remember. There too many names floating throughout your head.
We all remember that moment when you make that crisp, perfect knot and bow. The applause of your mother or teacher; the slap on your back from your coach or your dad.

We all know what that feeling here is in the United States but in other countries, world-wide, people, children, aren’t nearly as fortunate as us. You’ve probably seen one of those TV advertisements. You sit on the couch thinking Why is this interrupting my program? Giving a pair of shoes to someone in Argentina to Nicaragua can decide whether they get an education or if they get a parasitic infection. Shoes.

Shoes help to prevent the spread of parasitic diseases. Nearly 1.4 million people on the earth are plagued by parasitic diseases, that’s over 1/8 of the human population. Though, looking at proven statistics, 42% of parasitic diseases are caused by walking barefoot in 3rd world countries. The other 58% includes dirty water and other issues. While 42% may not seem like a large number, look at the three hundred million children plus the additional four hundred million adults, 18+, without shoes and you’ll see that the chances of catching parasitic diseases for them are highly likely. Children without shoes is one of the leading causes of these diseases and it must be stopped.

Whereas some of these diseases can’t be helped one of the saddest consequences of not having shoes is that you can’t attend school. I certain countries children without shoes you cannot set foot on school ground. This is not surprising. In a survey conducted at a Cambridge Public School 87% of students said that in no matter what casesenario students must wear shoes to school. Not only is the fact that students can’t get an education because they don’t have the money to buy shoes surprising, but it’s sad and worrying for most because humans could do something about this. Families in Nicaragua cannot afford proper shoes and necessary school uniforms. This makes families embarrassed and hesitant to send their children to school, if they have that option. With their children not attending school this further entrenches their poverty and respect.

Additionally quite a handful of serious health conditions can be absorbed through bare feet, even through the toughest of soles. After long walks in bare feet the human body begins to adapt, making the bottom of the feet tougher and thicker. As this happens large cracks can form. This allows parasitic infections such as hookworm and threadworm to penetrate the cracked skin. On top of the risk of parasitic infections bare feet guarantee the constant barrage cuts, bruises, and scrapes which normally escalate to form infections that can lead to ulcers if not worse.

“One of the most dangerous conditions of walking barefoot is the risk of puncture wounds, cuts, scrapes and even burns to the feet.” says Soles 4 Souls, a non-profitable company that donates shoes, “These injuries are almost never treated and can lead to serious infections and amputations. With the number of children living in abject poverty and therefore surviving at a scavenger's existence, the feet are at tremendous risk as the child hunts for food in garbage dumps, abandoned housing or construction areas, or while crossing through open sewer trenches and contaminated areas.”

While these conditions, diseases, and consequences that come from not wearing shoes are shocking and heartbreaking people like Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS, aren’t just sitting around. In 2006 Mycoskie was in Argentina where he befriended some of the local children. He noticed that these children had no shoes. Wanting to help, Blake Mycoskie began TOMS, a life-changing company that would match every pair of shoe purchased with a new pair of shoes given to a child in need. “One for One.”

“I think sometimes we forget what we have, and occasionally it's important to remind ourselves. Most people don't even realize how many children in developing countries grow up barefoot and all the risks, infections and diseases they endure. For most of us, modern shoes our so comfortable and accessible, we all but forget about our feet, but they are a source of constant focus for others.” Blake said after his company hit the market.

While this topic is not only surprising the numbers; the statistics; the children without shoes will increase. According to the US Census Bureau it is estimated that over 2.5 billion more people will live on earth by 2050. One eighth of those 2.5 billion people will be without shoes if has been an increasing problem does not end now. Inspire the world. Make a change.


Remember that day. That perfect bow sitting on top of your little foot. Give that day to someone less fortunate.