Shoes for a Cure, the U.S. fashion and footwear industry's premier fundraising initiative advancing breast cancer research, returned this October to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now in its third year in Miami and returning to New York City for the signature five-day charity shoe sale, Shoes for a Cure connects brands, philanthropists, retailers, and consumers through a month of high-profile events, charitable shopping activations, and industry gatherings, generating critical support for breast cancer research.

“Shoes for a Cure has a unique ability to harness the reach, creativity, and generosity of the fashion and footwear industry and turn that energy into meaningful philanthropic impact,” said Sandi Mines, President of the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation. “What makes this initiative so powerful is that it meets people where they are while ultimately directing those efforts toward meaningful support for breast cancer research. For more than three decades, we’ve seen what is possible when we come together around a shared purpose, and Shoes for a Cure continues to evolve while staying true to that mission.”

“What makes Shoes for a Cure so special is the way we bring curated experiences to brands and consumers throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month—from intimate activations in Miami to our iconic New York shoe sale,” said Sarah Lubas, Co-Chair of the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation. “This year’s expanded programming creates even more ways to participate, connect, and make a difference, while building on a legacy that has already touched so many lives.”

Shoes for a Cure Returns to the Miami Design District

Shoes for a Cure returned to the Miami Design District for its third annual initiative, bringing together luxury brands, philanthropists, and supporters to benefit the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Balmain, Carolina Herrera, Ferragamo, Manolo Blahnik, and Sevan Bıçakçı hosted exclusive shopping events, donating a portion of sales to the cause.

The initiative kicked off with a private opening-night event at Mother Wolf, featuring cocktails, dinner, and live and silent auctions. Emceed by NBC South Florida Live host Kristin Sanchez, the auctions offered luxury travel, fashion, dining, and exclusive experiences, including Harry Styles concert tickets with a stay at The St. Regis New York and courtside seats to a Miami Heat game.

The 2026 Miami initiative was chaired by Nabil Aliffi, Maria Buccellati, Marile Lopez, Jayne Sylvester Malfitano, Eva Nakvosas, Dr. Stephen Nimer, Craig Robins, Carrie Rubin, and Kristin Sanchez, alongside an expanded host committee of Miami fashion, footwear, and philanthropic leaders.

“Shoes for a Cure is an extraordinary organization that brings people together through creativity and purpose,” said Craig Robins, President & CEO of Dacra and Chair of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We are honored to have them back for a third year in the Miami Design District. Through my work with Sylvester, I see support from organizations like Shoes for a Cure translate into research and day-to-day care for patients and families. I am proud to be a part of this event and grateful for Shoes for a Cure’s support of Sylvester’s mission.”

The four-day shopping weekend invites shoppers to take part through charitable shopping across an expanded lineup of Miami Design District boutiques, with more participating brands than last year. The growing roster offers shoppers even more opportunities to shop with purpose, with a portion of purchases benefiting breast cancer research and patient care.

Shoes for a Cure Returns to New York

Shoes for a Cure returned to New York City with its signature five-day charity shoe sale at Chelsea Market, featuring 10,000 pairs of footwear for women, men, and children from brands including Veronica Beard, Stuart Weitzman, Sam Edelman, Marc Fisher, Larroude, Birkenstock, and ASICS. Supported by more than 450 volunteers, the sale benefited breast cancer research at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Additional activations included a private dinner and shopping evening hosted by Manolo Blahnik with Emily Rockefeller, Shoes for a Cure branding and charitable shopping initiatives at Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship, and a community event hosted by Birkenstock in Brooklyn focused on breast cancer awareness, advocacy, and proactive health.

Turning Industry Support Into Progress

At the heart of Shoes for a Cure is a model that harnesses the fashion and footwear community to drive impact. In New York, more than 50 brands contribute shoes, financial support, and volunteers to the annual sale, while in Miami, more than 100 brands and retailers participate through shopping experiences and activations. Over more than three decades, these efforts have generated more than $65 million for lifesaving breast cancer research.

Funds benefit leading cancer institutions, including Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, supporting groundbreaking research, new discoveries, and programs designed to improve patient outcomes.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation for its continued partnership and commitment to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “This year is especially meaningful as Sylvester was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 cancer program in Florida and No. 23 in the nation. This recognition reflects the dedication of our physicians, scientists, and staff, as well as the tremendous support of partners like Shoes for a Cure who help us advance innovative cancer research and provide outstanding care for our patients. We look forward to another wonderful evening together.”

“I am incredibly proud to work in collaboration with the Fashion Footwear Association of New York/Shoes for a Cure enterprise,” said Dr. Lisa Newman, Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and Executive Director and Founder of the International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes. “Over the past several decades, the individuals of this organization have demonstrated incomparable energy and resilience in their dedication to conquer breast cancer through outreach and research. Their achievements reflect the talent and brilliance as well as goodwill of the footwear industry.”

Images courtesy of Shoes for a Cure