What is International Red Shoe Day?

International Red Shoe Day is held every year on July 25 and is observed worldwide. This day honors people who have died from invisible illnesses such as Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple chemical sensitivity. These illnesses often go unrecognized, leaving those who suffer without adequate support or understanding. Red Shoe Day draws attention to the hidden nature of these conditions and the real lives affected by them. It offers a space to grieve, remember, and demand more awareness for those who are often left out of public health conversations.

The red shoe serves as a powerful symbol for visibility. It was chosen to represent those whose suffering is real but unseen. Participants wear red shoes to show solidarity, post tributes on social media, and take time to reflect on loved ones lost. The symbolism allows for a unified and peaceful way to raise awareness and promote empathy. International Red Shoe Day continues to grow each year as more people connect over shared experience and loss.

History and Origin

International Red Shoe Day was established in memory of Theda Myint, an Australian artist and Lyme disease advocate who died in 2013. Theda was known for her creativity, strength, and resilience throughout her long battle with illness. After her passing, her red shoes became a symbol of her personal journey and the fight for recognition faced by people with invisible diseases. Friends and supporters wanted to honor her in a way that would also support others living with similar struggles. The first observance began online and gradually expanded into a global day of remembrance.

Many of the illnesses recognized on this day are medically complex and often misunderstood. People who live with these conditions may endure years of misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all. This leads to limited treatment options, loss of employment, social isolation, and in some cases, severe decline. Red Shoe Day brings attention to these realities in a respectful and compassionate way. It encourages others to listen, learn, and acknowledge that these health issues are not rare, just rarely recognized.

The impact of Red Shoe Day is strongest within the online chronic illness community. On July 25, platforms such as Instagram and Facebook fill with red shoe images, personal stories, and remembrance posts. Many people light candles at home, attend virtual memorials, or write tributes to those they have lost. These moments of reflection are deeply personal, yet they unite people across time zones and cultures. International Red Shoe Day has become a peaceful but powerful form of community activism and collective healing.

Who Participates in International Red Shoe Day?

• Family members and friends: Those who have lost someone to an invisible illness and want to honor their memory.
• Advocacy groups: Organizations working to increase awareness of Lyme disease, ME/CFS, and related conditions.
• Chronic illness communities: People living with invisible illnesses who share their experiences and support each other.
• Healthcare activists: Individuals promoting improved research, recognition, and care for complex chronic diseases.
• Artists and creators: Those who use art and design to tell the stories of invisible illness and remembrance.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors:

• Red: Symbol of passion, strength, and remembrance.
• Black: Represents grief, mourning, and respect.
• White: Used for candles and memorials, symbolizing peace and light.

Symbols:

• Red shoe: Represents visibility, memory, and standing for the unseen.
• Candle: Used in remembrance to honor lives lost.
• Heart: Symbol of compassion, solidarity, and shared grief.

Patterns:

• Footprints: Represent the journey and legacy of those remembered.
• Ribbons: Used to show support for awareness and ongoing advocacy.
• Petals or flowers: Often displayed in memorials as a symbol of fragility and beauty.

Most Used Hashtags

• #RedShoeDay
• #InvisibleIllness
• #LymeAwareness
• #InMemoryOfTheda
• #ChronicIllnessAwareness

How to Celebrate International Red Shoe Day

• Wear red shoes: Show your support and honor those who are no longer here.
• Share a photo: Post an image of red shoes with a message or name in remembrance.
• Light a candle: Create a personal or group vigil to remember a loved one.
• Tell a story: Use your voice or platform to share someone’s experience.
• Support research: Donate or raise awareness for medical studies and advocacy.

Why is International Red Shoe Day Important?

This day allows people to publicly acknowledge grief that is often hidden. Invisible illnesses do not always show on the outside, yet their impact can be devastating. Red Shoe Day brings this reality into the light in a respectful, united way. It encourages families and friends to speak openly about what they have experienced, and it gives others the chance to listen. Every red shoe shared is a call for better understanding and more compassionate care.

It is also a moment of solidarity across the chronic illness community. For those still living with these conditions, it offers a rare sense of visibility and connection. For those grieving, it provides space for honoring memories and sharing love. Red Shoe Day promotes awareness not by shouting, but by showing through symbols, stories, and shared silence. It reminds us all that remembering can be a form of action.