International Red Shoe Day

International Red Shoe Day on July 25, observed annually, is a day to honor those who have passed from Lyme disease and other invisible illnesses.

History of International Red Shoe Day

International Red Shoe Day was first observed on July 25, 2014, remembering Theda Myint of Australia, who died from Lyme disease on July 25,  2013. Her friends chose her favorite red shoes as a symbol of remembrance and awareness. Karen Smith and Lisa Hilton formally founded the Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organization and launched the day to honor Theda’s memory and others affected by invisible illnesses. ¹

Since then, International Red Shoe Day has grown into a global observance, held on the same date each year to promote understanding, remembrance, and advocacy around Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other conditions that can be “invisible” yet deeply impactful.

Why is International Red Shoe Day important?

This day brings much-needed visibility to conditions that are often misunderstood or dismissed simply because their symptoms aren’t visible. When people wear red shoes and share stories, it creates opportunities for empathy and dialogue. It reminds society that suffering doesn’t always show on the surface, yet can be profound.

Moreover, it’s both a celebration of lives lost and a call to action. International Red Shoe Day invites communities to support research, improve care, and stand with those whose illnesses may go unnoticed. It’s a gentle but meaningful reminder that awareness can lead to compassion and change.

• it gives faces and stories to invisible illnesses
• wearing red shoes feels like a small but powerful tribute
• it unites people across different conditions
• it opens conversations we often avoid
• it inspires support for research and patient care

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Early symptoms (3–30 days after tick bite):

• Red expanding rash (often shaped like a bull’s-eye) — Erythema migrans
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes

Later symptoms (weeks to months after infection):

• Severe headaches and neck stiffness
• More rashes on other parts of the body
• Arthritis with joint swelling, especially in knees
• Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone in face)
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or shortness of breath
• Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
• Nerve pain or numbness

Prevention of Lyme Disease

• Avoid tick-infested areas, especially tall grass and dense woods
• Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or working in nature
• Use insect repellent with DEET on skin and permethrin on clothing
• Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants to reduce skin exposure
• Perform full-body tick checks after being outdoors
• Shower soon after being outdoors to wash off ticks before they attach
• Check pets and gear for ticks before bringing them indoors
• Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers — grab close to the skin and pull steadily
• Stay on clear trails and avoid brushing against vegetation

How to Observe International Red Shoe Day

Observing this day can be simple and heartfelt. Slip on a pair of red shoes as a visual tribute, post a photo online with the hashtag #InternationalRedShoeDay, and share a memory or fact about invisible illnesses. It’s easy to do but carries emotional weight and fosters connection.

You could also donate or volunteer with organizations supporting invisible illnesses. Even small actions—like sharing educational resources or lending an empathetic ear—help build awareness and break down myths. The day is about kindness, remembrance, solidarity, and hope.

• wear your red shoes and share why they matter
• tell someone about Lyme or fibromyalgia awareness
• support a charity or patient group
• post info online to help others understand
• listen to someone living with an invisible illness

International Red Shoe Day Dates Table

1. https://www.globallymeinvisibleillness.org/red-shoe-day–a-day-of-remembrance.html[↩]