Items are repurposed either to provide relief or to help create jobs through the selling of clothes or shoes in developing countries.

[3] The non-profit grew in large part thanks to a celebrity endorsement from Jessica Simpson,[8] who donated 2,000 shoes.

The charity also assisted individuals in developing nations and the U.S. by distributing pairs of shoes across 127 countries.

Elsey said he was always clear about how donated shoes were distributed and sold, both in official documents and in the media.

[11] A 2011 media investigation alleged Elsey used the organization to refinance his personal real estate;[6][7][12] however, Elsey stated that the board leadership approved and took measures to protect the organization's assets during market crisis.

[6] In 2017, Soles4Souls acquired Florida-based Dignity U Wear, a non-profit that collects donated clothing and distributes it in impoverished neighborhood.

[5] Dignity U Wear was founded in 2000 and distributed $160 million in donated clothing, but it considered acquisition offers when its funding was not enough to keep up with expenses.

[16] Soles4Souls receives clothing and shoe donations, then distributes them to provide relief and create jobs.