They’re back. Tons of men’s and women’s shoes will be on sale, all at incredible prices and all to raise money for breast cancer research. Formerly FFANY Shoes on Sale, the aptly renamed Shoes for a Cure will take place Oct. 18-22 at the Chelsea Market in Manhattan.
Consumers are welcome to shop a broad range of styles from leading brands, including Birkenstock, Crocs, Ugg, Hoka, Steve Madden, Skechers, Marc Fisher, New Balance, Michael Kors, and many others. A team of more than 200 experts from Nordstrom, Timberland, Target, Burberry, Rack Room Shoes, and Saks Fifth Avenue are donating their time to run the store, making sure everyone is serviced properly.
Sandi Mines, vice president of corporate engagement for FDRA and FFANY and president of FFCF (Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation), is thrilled to bring back the annual sale after a pandemic hiatus. “This is the year the footwear industry has renewed its collective commitment to fund critical first step breast cancer research through Shoes for a Cure,” she says, noting that the initiative has raised more than $60 million since launching 28 years ago. “Our five-day charity shoe sale at the Chelsea Market is a return to our roots as we connect shoppers with amazing shoes for a great cause. I couldn’t be more excited to continue such important work on behalf of all those affected by breast cancer.”
Mines says Shoes for a Cure has done away with the traditional, industry-centric gala dinner in favor of focusing efforts on securing more great shoes, capturing key funding from industry leaders such as Zappos and Calares, and welcoming consumers to shop the store. “Our aim is this charity shoe sale will turn into an annual giving opportunity for those who want to support breast cancer research,” she says.
So far so good, as Mines reports a “phenomenal” industry response to the relaunch. “We’ve engaged with new partners, completely overhauled our board, and launched a direct financial donation button on our website,” she says. Helping efforts this year are elevated inventories. “Companies are looking to enhance their charitable donations, and we’re well-positioned to capitalize on a generous industry for an important cause.”
On that note, it’s not too late to support Shoes for a Cure. Mines says there are more ways than ever to get involved. First and foremost, is by donating money to the cause at https://donorbox.org/shoes-for-a-cure. “Every dollar raised is tax deductible and goes back to our vital research partners,” she says. “Brands and retailers are also encouraged to spread the word to their followers to shop the sale.”
Mines believes Shoes for a Cure is a win-win-win scenario for all involved. “It’s an opportunity for consumers to buy amazing footwear and fund research at the same time,” she says. “And the industry is raising awareness and critical funding for breast cancer research while engaging with thousands of consumers, selling a ton of shoes, and bringing people together to have a blast shopping for a great cause. What’s not to love?”
