Holiday on July 25: International Red Shoes Day—What This Holiday Is Really About

International Red Shoes Day is observed annually on July 25. It was established in honor of Australian Teddi Menz, who died in 2013 after a long battle with Lyme disease. After her death, her loved ones and activists decided to create a day that would help draw attention to little-known but dangerous diseases, as well as educate people about the risks associated with tick bites.

The name of the observance is linked to red shoes, which have become a symbol of remembrance and support. In this context, the color red signifies not only danger but also strength, resilience, and the desire to be heard. People in various countries wear red shoes or post photos with red accessories to show support for those affected and spread awareness about Lyme disease.

How the Day Came to Be

The idea for International Red Shoes Day came about after the story of Teda Mint, who battled the effects of Lyme disease for many years. According to her loved ones, the disease had a profound impact on her life, and the public’s lack of awareness about it made it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment. After Teda’s death, activists began using the symbol of red shoes as a way to raise awareness about the issue. They wanted to show that behind every case of the disease is a real person with their own story, pain, and struggle.

The observance has become an international awareness campaign that helps draw attention to tick-borne infections. It is supported by patient organizations, medical advocates, and people who have personally experienced Lyme disease. The main goal of this day is not simply to remember the victims of the disease, but to teach people to recognize the symptoms, take the proper steps after a tick bite, and seek medical help in a timely manner.

What Is Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. A person can become infected after being bitten by an infected tick. The disease is most commonly transmitted in forested areas, parks, meadows, and areas with tall grass. The disease is named after the American town of Lyme, Connecticut, where in 1975 doctors noticed an unusual outbreak of arthritis cases among children and adults. Scientists later determined that the disease was caused by a bacterium transmitted by ticks.

A distinctive feature of Lyme disease is that its symptoms can vary widely. In some people, the disease manifests as a characteristic rash, while in others it presents only as fatigue, muscle pain, or joint problems. If the disease is detected early, treatment is usually effective. However, without proper treatment, the infection can spread to the nervous system, heart, and joints.

Symptoms to Watch For

The first signs of Lyme disease may appear a few days or weeks after a tick bite. Most often, people notice:

• fever;
• chills;
• headache;
• fatigue;
• muscle and joint pain;
• swollen lymph nodes.

One of the most well-known symptoms is erythema migrans—a red rash that gradually spreads around the bite site. It may take the form of a ring and resemble a “target.” This rash appears in about 70–80% of infected people, but its absence does not mean that infection has not occurred.

In later stages, the disease can cause more serious problems. These include severe joint pain, inflammation of the nervous system, memory impairment, heart problems, facial nerve paralysis, and chronic pain. That is why doctors advise against waiting for symptoms to go away on their own and recommend seeing a doctor after a tick bite or if suspicious symptoms appear.

How Red Shoes Day Is Observed

There are no major public celebrations or official ceremonies on this day. The main focus is on awareness campaigns and spreading knowledge about Lyme disease. People show their support symbolically—by wearing red shoes, posting photos on social media, sharing personal stories, or spreading information about preventing tick-borne infections.

Medical organizations and activists host online lectures, publish materials about the disease’s symptoms, and explain how to properly protect oneself from ticks. This day is also a time to remember those who have died from complications of the disease. For many participants in the campaign, red shoes are a way of saying, “This problem exists, and we need to talk about it.”

How to Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease

The best way to avoid the disease is to prevent tick bites. When walking in the woods or through tall grass, it’s recommended to wear protective clothing: long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes. It’s also a good idea to use special tick repellents. Repellents containing DEET can be applied to the skin, while those containing permethrin can be applied to clothing.

After returning from the outdoors, it’s important to carefully check your body. Pay special attention to areas where ticks most often hide: the armpits, groin, neck, hair, and behind the ears. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers. The longer the parasite remains on the body, the higher the risk of infection. Doctors emphasize that even if there are no symptoms after a bite, you should closely monitor your condition over the next few weeks.

Interesting Facts About Red Shoe Day

• Red shoes have become a symbol not of beauty or fashion, but of remembrance and the fight to raise awareness about Lyme disease.
• The observance is linked not only to ticks but also to the broader issue of little-known diseases that are often difficult to diagnose.
• Many people with Lyme disease spend years searching for the correct diagnosis because the symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses.
• The red shoe campaign shows how a simple symbol can help draw attention to an important medical issue.

International Red Shoes Day serves as a reminder that even a small tick bite can have serious consequences. The main idea behind this day is simple: greater awareness, paying attention to your health, and seeking timely medical care can save lives.