The perfect pair

As a child growing up in Fairborn, Matt Cline hid holes in his shoes by coloring the toes of his white socks black with a marker.

Today, the 2018 Wright State University marketing graduate is sharing that experience through his new children’s book — while helping thousands of children gain confidence through his nonprofit organization, Just a Pair of Shoes.

“Miles and the Magic Shoes” tells the story of a young boy who is bullied at school because of the condition of his sneakers. While the story mirrors Cline’s childhood, he chose not to make himself the focus.

“I didn’t want to name it Matt and the Magic Shoes because I didn’t want it centered around me,” he said.

The book’s main character receives a pair of shoes from his teacher, a tribute to educators who often step in to help students in need.

“It highlights teachers because we hear stories all the time when we go to these schools where a teacher gave a pair of shoes to a kid,” Cline said.

That belief drives Just a Pair of Shoes, which has distributed more than 4,000 pairs of shoes to children, making a significant impact on their lives.

Most recently, Cline brough the nonprofit’s mission to Bethel Elementary School, where 14 third- and fourth-grade students received new Nike sneakers and socks. They were welcomed by Bethel High School football players, coaches and volunteers before lacing up their new shoes.

Carrie Jones, a 2000 Wright State alumna and principal at Bethel Elementary, said Cline’s message resonates with students. She also appreciates that Cline emphasizes strong academics and promotes literacy by donating writing materials for students and copies of his book to the school library.

“We are blessed in our community that we don’t have a great need like some schools do, but there are still some families that struggle,” Jones said. “We partner with a bunch of people, including Matt, to bring them whatever they need.”

Cline said he sees a noticeable difference in students’ confidence after they put on their new shoes, and that transformation is what Just a Pair of Shoes is all about.

“When you come to one of our events, you realize it’s much more than a pair of shoes,” he said, “It’s confidence in a bottle.”

“Miles and the Magic Shoes” is available for purchase on Amazon.com.