175 pairs of shoes were handed out.

175 pairs of shoes were handed out.

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

175 pairs of shoes were handed out.

Starting off on the right foot is important, so a metro nonprofit is stepping in to make sure all student-athletes have that chance.

HoopRank Communities hosted its second annual back-to-school sneaker giveaway — 175 pairs of shoes were handed out.

Organizers say kids shouldn't be sidelined by something as small as a pair of shoes.

"If you look on this court right now, you'll see kids who are playing basketball in running shoes, kids who are playing basketball in church shoes, kids who are playing basketball in all types of different shoes. And they are at a severe competitive disadvantage to somebody who's just part of the sport," said Kris Kuhn, the nonprofit's founder.

The organization also helps families with sports-related fees and transportation issues.

To get involved, head to hooprankcommunities.org.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.