The Kingsland Shoe Project community, get ready to be inspired! This week, we're thrilled to introduce the incredible Jimmy Guidos, the heart and soul behind @JaysFireFridays. Jimmy's journey beautifully intertwines his passion for sneakers with his dedication to making a real difference in the lives of students. What started as a simple way to recognize and encourage students has grown into a movement spanning 23 school sites, fostering confidence, positive connections, and personal growth—one sneaker at a time.
Right now, Jimmy is leading a special initiative: the Fire Fridays Kids’ Sneaker Drive, in partnership with Western Youth Services and Shoes That Fit. The goal? Provide new and gently worn sneakers to students in need, ensuring that every child has access to footwear that makes them feel confident and ready to take on the world. Donations are being collected through April, and every pair makes a difference! Learn more on how to support: bit.ly/firefridays2025
We love Jimmy’s dedication to empowering students through something as simple, yet impactful, as a clean pair of sneakers. His work proves that shoes are a symbol of self-worth, community, and care. We’re honored to have Jimmy as part of our community and excited to support the incredible work he’s doing with #FireFridays!
Name: Jimmy Guidos
Social Handle: @JaysFireFridays
How did you get into sneakers/shoes/fashion? My love for sneakers started with my younger brothers. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but shoes became our common ground, something that kept us connected and motivated. As the oldest, I was always reminded to set a good example—though I’m still working on that! Sneakers became my way of showing up for them, inspiring them, and strengthening our bond.
Favorite sneaker of all time: Jordan 1 BRED
Go-to pairs (the shoes by the door): A pair of Jordan 1s or Air Max 90s is usually what you`ll find me in.
What shoe best embodies you and your style? If you haven’t caught on by now, I’m a HUGE Jordan 1 fan. It was the first Jordan silhouette I fell in love with, and being the firstborn in my family, I relate to it as the "tone setter." Just like the Jordan 1 set the foundation for the entire Jordan Brand, I’ve always felt a responsibility to set the tone for my younger siblings.
Describe your shoe care regimen: I’m a firm believer that sneakers are meant to be worn, to experience life in. They tell our stories; from the people we meet to the places we go. But I also see them as an extension of who we are, so I make sure to clean them after each wear. There’s something about a fresh pair of kicks that just sets the right mindset for the day.
How did you come up with the idea to clean kids’ shoes and start #FIREFRIDAYS Growing up, I didn’t have the means to get all the sneakers I wanted. I usually got just one pair a year, so keeping them clean wasn’t just a preference, it was a necessity. Fast forward to adulthood, my own personal and mental health struggles led me to pursue working with kids in the mental health field.
One year, we were encouraged to bring our personal passions into our work with students, and for me, that was sneakers. I started cleaning students’ sneakers during recess and lunch, and the connections I built through those moments were something I wasn’t prepared for. It wasn’t just about the shoes, it was about confidence, community, and showing kids that no matter what’s on their feet, it’s the person inside that truly matters. Over time, it became a movement across 23 school sites, creating a space for kids to feel seen, valued, and proud of what they have.
Tell us more about the current shoe drive in April: Man, this one means a lot. Over a year ago, I put an idea out into the universe: to not only clean sneakers but to also provide them for kids who needed more than just a cleaning. I reached out to brands, shared my vision, and was blessed with a partnership with Shoes That Fit, which then inspired my employer to launch an official shoe drive for #FIREFRIDAYS. Now, we’re in year two, collecting new and gently used sneakers for students in our partner district as an extension of the work I do every Friday across 23 sites. Seeing the impact firsthand has been incredible, and I’m beyond grateful for every person and organization that has helped make this possible.
Other passions outside of sneakers? My work in the mental health field is something I’m incredibly passionate about. I want to continue bridging sneakers and mental health, knowing that for many, sneakers are more than just shoes, they’re an outlet for self-expression, a form of coping, a sense of identity. I’ve been inspired by so many in the sneaker community who advocate for mental health, and I hope to bring more conversations, awareness, and ideas to that space.
Random fun fact about you: Despite how outgoing I may seem online and in person, I actually feel most at home in my own thoughts. Funny enough, I once had the chance to jump on stage at a Travis Scott concert. He literally called me down from a balcony and I flaked. Regretted it ever since!
Also, I want to give you guys shoutout featuring me in this series and for their generous donation of sneaker wipes the kids absolutely loved them! Being part of this community has been such an honor, and I’ve truly enjoyed following the stories of everyone who has been featured. Thank you for celebrating the people behind the sneakers!
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