International Red Shoe Day
July 25
About International Red Shoe Day
International Red Shoe Day takes place every year on 25 July. It is a day of remembrance for people who have died from Lyme disease and other chronic, invisible illnesses, and a moment to raise awareness of conditions that are often dismissed because those affected do not “look sick”. The day is observed worldwide by wearing red shoes in tribute.
What is International Red Shoe Day?
International Red Shoe Day is an annual awareness and remembrance day dedicated to those living with, and those who have died from, Lyme disease and other invisible illnesses. These include chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, dysautonomia and a range of related long-term conditions. The day is organised by the Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organisation (GLiIO), a charity founded by Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton. It carries a dual purpose: to honour the memory of patients who have passed away, and to give visibility to a community whose suffering is frequently overlooked.
When is International Red Shoe Day?
International Red Shoe Day falls on Saturday, 25 July 2026. The date is fixed and is observed on 25 July every year. It was chosen because it marks the day in 2013 that Theda Myint, the Australian Lyme patient in whose memory the day was created, passed away. Because the date never changes, you can plan your tribute well in advance each year.
Why International Red Shoe Day Matters
Invisible illnesses are called “invisible” for several reasons. A person living with one of these conditions may appear perfectly healthy, even while experiencing severe pain, exhaustion or cognitive difficulty. Research, treatment and care are often far less developed than for more widely recognised diseases, and many patients spend long periods confined to their homes or beds, effectively disappearing from public life.
The scale of the problem is significant. ME/CFS alone is estimated to affect roughly 1 per cent of adults, and in the United States somewhere between 836,000 and 2.5 million people are thought to be affected, yet fewer than 20 per cent have received a formal diagnosis. Lyme disease is also strongly linked to long-term fatigue: one large UK cohort study found the incidence of ME/CFS was far higher among people who had previously had Lyme disease. International Red Shoe Day exists to close this awareness gap, to validate patients whose symptoms are too often doubted, and to push for better diagnosis, research and support.
How to Get Involved in International Red Shoe Day
There are many ways to take part, whether you live with an invisible illness yourself, care for someone who does, or simply want to show solidarity.
- Wear red shoes – The simplest and most recognisable act of support. Put on a pair of red shoes for the day and explain why if anyone asks, turning a small gesture into a conversation.
- Share Theda’s story – Post about International Red Shoe Day on social media, including the history behind it, so that your network learns what the red shoes represent.
- Light a candle – Hold a quiet moment of remembrance for those who have died from Lyme disease and other invisible illnesses, either alone or as part of an online vigil.
- Donate to research – Support a charity working on Lyme disease, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia or dysautonomia, where funding for research and care remains limited.
- Listen to patients – If someone in your life has an invisible illness, ask how they are really doing and believe them. Feeling heard is one of the most meaningful forms of support.
- Educate yourself – Read up on the symptoms and challenges of invisible illnesses so you can recognise them and respond with understanding rather than scepticism.
- Create a tribute – Many supporters mark the day with artwork, photographs or written tributes to loved ones, sharing them online to build a collective memorial.
- Advocate for accessibility – Push your workplace, school or community to consider the needs of people with fluctuating, often invisible conditions, from flexible hours to rest spaces.
History of International Red Shoe Day
International Red Shoe Day was born out of personal loss. Theda Myint, an Australian woman who had been battling Lyme disease, died on 25 July 2013. Friends of hers, many from an Australian Lyme disease support group, wanted a way to keep her memory alive and to honour others lost to similar conditions.
The choice of red shoes came from Theda herself. Her favourite colour was green, except when it came to shoes: she loved red ones. Drawing on that small, vivid detail, her friend Karen Smith suggested marking a “Red Shoe Day” in her memory. The idea quickly took shape. Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton went on to found the Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organisation in 2013, and the organisation formally established the observance.
The inaugural International Red Shoe Day was held on 25 July 2014, one year after Theda’s death. Since then it has grown into an annual day of remembrance observed by patients, families and supporters around the world, marked with red shoes, candlelit vigils, social gatherings and artistic tributes.
Noteworthy Facts About International Red Shoe Day
- The day was founded in memory of Theda Myint, who died from Lyme disease on 25 July 2013.
- Red shoes were chosen because they were Theda’s favourite, despite green being her favourite colour for everything else.
- The first International Red Shoe Day was observed on 25 July 2014.
- It is organised by the Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organisation, founded by Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton in 2013.
- The day covers a broad range of invisible conditions, including Lyme disease, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and dysautonomia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Red Shoe Day?
It is an annual day of remembrance and awareness, held on 25 July, for people affected by Lyme disease and other invisible illnesses. Supporters wear red shoes to honour those who have died and to raise the visibility of long-term conditions that are often overlooked.
When is International Red Shoe Day in 2026?
International Red Shoe Day is on Saturday, 25 July 2026. The date is fixed and falls on 25 July every year.
Why are red shoes the symbol of the day?
The red shoes are a tribute to Theda Myint, the Australian Lyme patient in whose memory the day was created. Red shoes were her favourite, so her friends chose them as the emblem of remembrance.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing International Red Shoe Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #RedShoeDay and #RedShoeDay2026 on social media. The more people who know about International Red Shoe Day, the bigger the impact for everyone living with an invisible illness.
Related Awareness Days
- Chronic Disease Awareness Day – A day focused on the millions living with long-term conditions, closely aligned with the aims of Red Shoe Day.
- International Self-Care Day – Marked on 24 July, the day before Red Shoe Day, highlighting the importance of self-care for those managing chronic illness.
- Disability Pride Month – A July-long celebration of disabled people, including those with invisible and chronic conditions.
Links
- Visit the official International Red Shoe Day page at GLiIO
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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