Skip to main content

Feel Good Fridays – Soles4Souls

Wondering what to do with those shoes you bought on a whim that have been sitting in your closet for two years? Soles4Souls is here for ya.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Soles4Souls is a non-profit institution that collects new and used shoes and clothes from everyone from ordinary people like us to civic and faith based organizations and corporate partners. We heard about them through our friends over at Cole Haan who are big fans (and donors) to the charity. Other big brands that donate overstock, returns  and/or discontinued models include Puma, Vans, Converse, Clarks and Adidas.

Not only does the organization donate shoes and clothes around America and the world; they also focus on ‘micro-enterprise’, which is helping the poor and their communities by providing sustainable jobs to locals through the creation of small (micro) businesses. This could translate into selling items at a marketplace or as a street vendor.

Just last week Soles4Souls held ‘Barefoot Week’. Each summer they dedicate one week to distributing shoes and awareness of the organization by traveling to five different cities in America and distributing shoes, as well as partnering with local nonprofits to raise awareness. Be sure to check out their blog to read all about their experiences.

They are always looking for donations, but if you are looking for a little life changing experience sign up for some international travel with the charity! Ambassadors for Soles 4Souls travel to places like Haiti, Costa Rica, Honduras, India and Africa to of course deliver shoes, but also to sustain relationships and work on their micro-enterprise campaigns. A team just left for Africa this week.

Instead of another vacation to the same ole same ole, consider going somewhere a little more exotic and helping someone out along the way.

Topics
Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more