Renowned Sneakerhead Darryl Glover Is Making Change With Sole Scholars
If you’ve read book, or can recall our mag's Issue 35 from 2016, then the name Darryl Glover should be familiar to you. The New Jersey native is quite possibly the GOAT of collecting , boasting a vast collection of rarities and plenty of heaters. Since his feature in Sneaker Freaker, Glover has propelled that passion for sneakers into purpose-driven impact, lifting up his own community by founding a non-profit foundation: Sole Scholars. And one year on, they're still going strong.
‘I’ve long dreamed of having the ability to give back to my community in a special way,’ Glover said after the foundation's inaugural event, back in August of 2024. ’To be back home distributing book bags, school supplies, sneakers and clothes to my community during Sole Scholars Foundation’s first event was beyond a blessing to my soul (sole!). There were old and new faces, supporters, friends, community leaders, and – most importantly – scholars, whose family’s burdens are lighter and whose dreams are brighter. That alone made every second worth it.’
According to Sole Scholars, back-to-school costs in 2025 are currently reaching as much as $900 per child. Piled on top the current cost-of-living crisis, that outlay has become a major burden on families – and is ultimately disadvantaging young students. So, with the belief that every kid deserves to walk into the school year with confidence and style, Glover and Sole Scholars are giving back.
This month, ahead of school's return, Glover and his foundation are giving away backpacks, supplies and hundreds of brand new sneakers to kids from K-12. On the day of the event there will also be a sneaker design contest, letter-writing to favourite athletes, free health checks, record expungement, job information, basketball skills workshops and pickup games. Glover has also pulled together a big roster of donators and sponsors like , and The Whitaker Group.
We salute you, Darryl!
Sole Scholars will hold their 2025 ‘Championship Packs’ event on August 23 from 11:00 am at the Winsan Center in New Jersey. If you want to get involved as a volunteer head , or if you want to attend keep it locked .