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8 Pride-Inspired Shoes that are Actually Giving Back to the LGBTQ+ Community

David Duran
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Each year during Pride month, different companies unveil Pride collections in an effort to capitalize on a segment of the population that has been asking for visibility and support. Unfortunately, these collections often sell out without actually giving back to the LGBTQ+ community, which has led to a backlash from the same community that inspired their colorful collections.

However, in 2019 — as the LGBTQ+ community celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots (June 28), which sparked the gay rights movement — brands and retailers have stepped up their message of inclusivity with their Pride collections. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite shoe companies that have Pride-themed kicks and boots with charitable components that support causes that impact LGBTQ+ people. If you are looking for that perfect pair of shoes to show your pride while supporting a company that supports the community, here are eight great options to choose from.

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Under Armour

Under Armour
Image used with permission by copyright holder

After launching its first Pride collection in 2018, Under Armour is back with a “United We Win” Pride-inspired take on the UA Hovr SLK shoe. The sneakers feature a blue-tinted gray upper with an atypical rainbow patterned midsole and outsole. The “United We Win” collection includes apparel, socks, and more and is available on the Under Armour website and will be sold in Macy’s stores throughout the month of June. In addition, Under Armour will also be sponsoring the Pride parades in Baltimore, Austin, and World Pride in NYC, as well as participating in the San Francisco Pride to celebrate Under Armour’s ongoing commitment to equality, justice, and opportunity for all.

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How it supports the LGBTQ+ community: Under Armour provides financial support to Athlete Ally, a not-for-profit group working to eliminating homophobia and transphobia in sports by educating and activating athletic communities.

Shop the collection: United We Win

What to buy:UA Hovr SLK Evo x Pride

Nike

Image used with permission by copyright holder

For Pride month, Nike is offering a “Be True” collection that is a tribute to Gilbert Baker, the political activist and Pride flag designer. The collection includes the Air Max 90, Air Max 720, Air Tailwind, and Zoom Pegasus Turbo, each decorated with colors of the Pride flag. To accompany your new kicks, Nike has also created a line of T-shirts, hoodies, and a multi-colored shoulder bag that are part of the limited-edition line. The 2019 Nike “Be True” collection was released on June 1 online and at select retailers.

How it supports the LGBTQ+ community: Since 2012, Nike has revisited the “Be True” Pride collection. While not tied to product sales, Nike will support more than 20 organizations advancing the LGBTQ+ community through grants administered by the Charities Aid Foundation of America.

Shop the collection: Be True

What to buy: Nike Air Tailwind 79 BETRUE

Adidas

Adidas

As part of its Pride pack, Adidas is launching four rainbow-accented styles seen on the Ultra Boost 19, Continental 80, Adilette slide, and Adidas Originals Ozweego. The “Love Unites” collection arrived June 1 on the Adidas website and at select retailers.

How it supports the LGBTQ+ community: Though not tied to product sales, Adidas will be supporting The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for youth of the LGBTQ+ community.

Shop the collection: Love Unites

What to buy: Adidas Continental 80 Pride Shoes

Converse

Converse
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Converse’s 2019 Pride capsule collection features Chuck Taylor and Chuck 70 sneakers, along with apparel, done in a range of symbolic finishes. The Chuck 70 sneakers come in four colorways that pay homage to the Stonewall riots. The collection also introduced the brand’s first-ever sneakers inspired by the trans flag.

How it supports the LGBTQ+ community: Converse’s Pride collection was born out of its LGBTQ+ employee network and has been introduced every year since 2014.

Shop the collection: Converse Pride 2019 Collection

Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens/Facebook

The footwear brand’s classic 1460 boot gets a rainbow makeover, complete with Pride flag-inspired colors carried through the laces, heel-loop, and other small details. The backstrap finishes off the bold look with “Pride” emblazoned down the material. The boot is currently available online for $145.

How it supports the LGBTQ+ community: Doc Martens launched its first Pride boot in 2017. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Trevor Project.

What to buy: Dr. Martens 1460 Pride

Hunter

Hunter

Hunter is celebrating Pride with its Play boot, a parade-ready style featuring colorful detailing on the pull tab and a rainbow rubber sole. The British boot brand has teamed up with five ambassadors to recognize Pride month: ShayShay, Tia Simon-Campbell, Jay Espinosa, Glyn Fussell, and Lucy Fizz.

How it supports the LGBTQ+ community: Each of Hunter’s partners has chosen a charity for the brand to support. The five organizations, which all provide services to members of the LGBTQ+ community, are: The Outside Project (shelter and center), NAZ (sexual health), Albert Kennedy Trust (homeless youths), MindOut (mental health), and Mermaids (trans youth and family support services).

Shop the collection: Hunter Pride Play Boots

Reebok

Reebok

The sportswear brand replaced its Reebok flag with the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, along with rainbow stitching, in updates to its Club C, Classic Leather, and Freestyle Hi silhouettes. The collection is available online with prices starting at $70.

How it supports the LGBTQ+ community: Through June 30, Reebok will donate a portion of its proceeds, up to $50,000, to Fenway Health, an organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through access to health care, education, and other support services.

Shop the collection: Pride Collection

What to buy: Reebok Club C 85 Pride Shoes

Vans

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Vans is celebrating this year with a limited-edition collection called “The Love Pack,” which includes rainbow accented versions of the iconic Sk8-Hi and Classic Slip-On styles. Each look features the word “love” translated into several languages and printed in multicolored text, a design inspired by the vast mix of cultures in New York City. The pack will be sold exclusively at the brand’s Vault by Vans store in New York at 219 Bowery St.

How it supports the LGBTQ+ community: Although not directly tied to product sales, Vans will donate $50,000 to The Trevor Project.

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David Duran
David Duran
David Duran is an award-winning travel writer who has visited all seven continents and more than 70 countries. His writing…
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