Together,

we take the next step.

Helping Houstonians, one pair of shoes at a time.

When Oliver was 13 years old, he saw a problem.

There weren’t enough shoes or clothes to fill orders at the clothing pantry.

Next Step Shoes is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that collects and distributes gently-worn shoes to underserved individuals and Houstonians experiencing homelessness.

Hear Our Story ▸

Oliver Tsao holding two pairs of shoes at a Next Step Shoes collection drive

At 15, Oliver founded Next Step Shoes. Now, over 4,500 pairs of shoes have been collected and donated to Houstonians in need.

Our Impact in Numbers

Shoes prevent infection.

Going barefoot in areas with poor sanitation exposes people to infectious diseases.
Shoes prevent injury.

Shoes prevent injury by providing a barrier to the outside. In many parts of the US, summer sidewalks reach 125F - causing burns in just seconds.
Shoes prevent long-term foot complications.

Years of walking without proper support can cause health problems like corns, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, and back pain.
Shoes allow kids to go to school.

Shoes are a part of required dress code in schools. For children who cannot afford shoes, they are not permitted to attend.
Shoes allow access to work.

Like schools, many workplaces require shoes for health and physical safety - or as a part of uniform. Adults without shoes struggle with obtaining or maintaining employment.
Shoes boost confidence.

The social stigma of not having shoes can be a source of bullying, shame, and embarrassment.

Our Community Partners

We couldn’t do it alone.

Meet our community partners.

Local Businesses

We’ve partnered with local athletic and shoe stores to make donating easier. See our donation drives at your local Fleet Feet or Avenu Fitness.

Support your local community: Buy a pair, or leave a pair (or both!)

Schools

Over 14+ schools have joined our mission. Through school shoe drives, your kids can make an impact too.

Learn about how you can set up a drive at your school.

Church Groups

Join our movement at your local church. We’ve partnered with West University United Methodist church to make helping your community as easy as going to Sunday School.

Start making waves of change at your church. Learn how to set up drives at your institution.

Upcoming Events

West University United Methodist Church: Donation Drive

December 1-14th, 2025
3611 University Blvd, 77005
Condit Gives Back

November 13th, 2025, 5-6PM
Condit Elementary School
7000 S 3rd St, Bellaire, TX 77401

Our Socials

@westu_pto is our first repeat shoe drive partner! This year, they held a shoe drive the week of Earth Day to highlight the importance of recycling. The generous families of West University Elementary School donated 490 pairs of shoes! We cannot wait to share these shoes with Houstonians in need. What a difference you are making, Mustangs!

Thank you, Project Ambassador evan.nanna ! Evan organized a drive at sjsmavericks where families donated 60 pairs of shoes for Next Step Shoes. Thank you, Evan and SJS, for making a difference in the lives of underserved Houstonians!

Norah Ramesha and @steschool have hearts for service! Norah served as a Next Step Shoes Project Ambassador and helped collect 75 pairs of shoes to help Houstonians in need. Thank you!

St. Agnes Academy is leading with integrity joy and a commitment to social justice! Next Step Shoe was delighted to partner with St. Agnes Key Club and Project Ambassador, Julianna Garcia, to host a shoe drive this week @stagnesacademy. 90 pairs of shoes were donated and will be shared with underserved Houstonians. Thank you to the St. Agnes community. Veritas!

@sthcatholic is teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge. Earlier in February, Next Step Shoes partnered with Project Ambassador, Matthew Chung, and St. Thomas High School to collect 50 pairs of shoes for Houstonians in need! Thank you, Eagles! You are making a difference!

@strakejesuit is, no doubt, forming Men for Others! Strake Jesuit Key Club partnered with Next Step Shoes to host a school wide used shoe drive. This amazing community donated a record setting 660 pairs of shoes to Houstonians in need. Large sized men’s shoes are tough to find and are in high demand. Strake Jesuit came to the rescue! Thank you, Crusaders!

AOS YES! @aoshouston is making a difference every day. They added a shoe drive for @next.step_shoes to their Project Cover Up donation week and collected 196 pairs of shoes! We are taking these shoes to @emergencyaidcoalition and @clothedbyfaithtx to help underserved Houstonians. THANK YOU, AOS!!

What a great way to start off the new year! Happy to share over 400 pairs of shoes with @clothedbyfaithtx Thank you to everyone who has donated to us this past year and helped make a difference for some many people!

Thank you @kolter_pto for helping us collect 465 pairs of shoes! A first for Next Step Shoes, one family donated a whole pallet of new shoes! Their generosity is truly helping change lives.

Couldn't be more great for Horn Elementary! Just before Thanksgiving break, they were able to collect 305 pairs of shoes for the Houston community!

Frequently Asked Questions

Men’s, Women’s, or Children’s shoes (Sneakers, Dress Shoes - No heel or Low heel, Crocs, Sandals).
Please ensure that they are gently used!
Shoes with holes, missing or damaged soles, or shoes that are falling apart.
Send us an email at nextstepshoes.houston@gmail.com. We’ll contact you regarding setup and drive collection.
There are many ways you can volunteer with us! If you’re a student, you can become a Next Step Shoes Ambassador and lead the initiative at your school. We’ll be with you every step of the way.