Being your small town sneaker shop is about more than having a great stock of kicks to cop on Saturday mornings. It's about fostering the sneakerhead culture and a sports-inspired lifestyle within the communities we serve. That's why, back in 2015, City Gear started Sole School, a community giveback program through which local stores could connect with and provide support to underserved schools and athletic programs in their neighborhoods. As part of the Sole School program, sponsored schools receive a yearly financial gift and the opportunity for interested students to be mentored by local store management staff. Sole School also opens the door for employment within these stores.

Since the program's initial launch in 2015, Sole School has impacted hundreds of schools in need and promising student-athletes. The Sole School initiative has worked in partnership with Nike to designate 19 schools as Sole School honorees this year. Each school will receive $3,250 in funds to support athletic program needs.