The Sneaker Project
Every child deserves
to feel seen.
The DAK Leather Sneaker Project creates one-of-a-kind, handcrafted sneakers for children facing difficult circumstances across the DMV area. Each pair is designed around a specific child, built by hand, and given without charge.
One pair at a time.
Why this exists
Craftsmanship as
an act of care.
This is not a program. It is not a nonprofit. It is one person, at one bench, choosing to build something beautiful for a child who might need a reason to feel proud of who they are.
A pair of shoes is not a small thing when it was made for you specifically, when someone took the time to learn your colors, your interests, your story, and built something that says: you matter, you are worth this, you deserve something made just for you.
“I want every child who receives a pair to know that something in this world was made with them at the center of it.”
Because this is handcrafted work, not every nomination can be fulfilled. Each build takes real time and real care. Selections are made personally, based on capacity, and communicated with honesty.
Who can be nominated
Children who could use
something made for them.
There is no formal checklist. What we are looking for is a child whose circumstances have made life harder than it should be, and who would be moved by receiving something handcrafted and entirely their own.
We serve the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. There is no strict age requirement, though sizing availability for very small children may occasionally be limited.
Examples of who to nominate
- 1Children in hospitals or extended medical care
- 2Children in foster care or transitional homes
- 3Children overcoming significant hardship
- 4Youth in underserved or under-resourced communities
- 5Children who have shown exceptional resilience
- 6Young people going through a meaningful transition
This list is a starting point, not a boundary. If you know a child who deserves this, we want to hear about them.
How it works
A process built around
one child at a time.
You submit a nomination
Fill out the form below. Tell us about the child, what makes them who they are, and why you believe they should be nominated.
We review personally
Every nomination is read by Darsh. We select based on capacity, story, and fit. You will receive an update either way.
We reach out to begin
If selected, we will contact you to learn more. We want to understand the child's personality so the design reflects them.
Design and build
The sneakers are sketched, patterned, and built entirely by hand. This takes time. We do not rush.
Delivered with care
The finished pair is delivered or arranged to reach the child in a way that feels meaningful.
Nominate
Know a child
who deserves this?
Submit a nomination below. There are no wrong answers and no formal criteria to hit. Tell us about the child in your own words.