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ForwardTogether

We provide brand-new, name-brand shoes to students in need across Appalachian Ohio through partnerships with public schools and our student representative program.

Who We Are Our Work

Our Work

School staff identify students who need shoes. Southern Ohio Soles purchases a new pair for each request, and student representatives coordinate delivery at school.

See how the program works
Southern Ohio Soles student representatives with a cart of new shoes at Oak Hill

  1. A need is identified

    A teacher, counselor, or other school staff member submits a confidential request with the student’s shoe size, preferred style, and relevant details.

  2. We fulfill the request

    Our team purchases a brand-new pair suited to the student’s needs and ships it to the representative assigned to that school.

  3. The shoes are delivered

    The representative works with school staff to give the student their new shoes with care and dignity.

Where We Serve

We currently partner with schools in Jackson, Meigs, Vinton, and Pike counties. Our goal is to serve all 32 counties in Appalachian Ohio.

Explore partner schools

Southern Ohio Soles student representatives holding new shoes outside a school

Student Representatives

Our student representatives are high schoolers in the schools we serve. They help get each pair of shoes to the students who need them, right in their own buildings.

About the program
Student Representative applicationsApplications are closed and cannot be submitted now. The next application period opens in spring 2027.

Become an Advocate

An Advocate is a school staff member who requests shoes for a student who needs them. Advocates submit confidential requests with the student’s size and style preferences. SOS provides the shoes and coordinates delivery with the school’s Student Representative.

Teachers, counselors, aides, coaches, and other staff at partner schools in Jackson, Meigs, Vinton, and Pike counties are eligible to register.

Register as an Advocate

Who We Are

Southern Ohio Soles was founded in 2023 by three high school friends who turned their passion for sneakers into a community effort. Now in college, we continue to grow our work with the support of school staff and student representatives.

Every student deserves comfortable, well-fitting shoes they can feel confident wearing. Our mission is to provide that support to students across Appalachian Ohio, one pair at a time.

Meet our team
The four Southern Ohio Soles founders together at the beach

Our Sponsors

Our organization is made possible by local businesses, community groups, and individuals who believe in our mission to provide brand-new shoes to students in need. Our sponsors help us continue serving students across our region, and in return, we are proud to highlight their investment in our community.

Sponsorship information