Shoes with a Heart: The Tom's Story with Founder Blake Mycoskie

In donating a pair of shoes for every one purchased, TOMS has provided more than two million of the world’s impoverished children with its classic canvas slide through their ‘One for One’ campaign. With bridal, prom, and holiday collections well received, the shoe designer now welcomes its newest spring designs, with the addition of ballet flats in vibrant shades of velvet suede.

Making a difference one step at a time, or as Blake Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS, would say — a concept of giving ‘One for One,’ has set in motion a cause-center mission for business unlike any other; for every purchase of TOMS shoes, another is donated to a person in need. A derivative of "tomorrow," TOMS simply seeks to offer a better future for impoverished children; a theme that continues to inspire brand loyalists and those hoping to make an impact on the world around.

While vacationing in Argentina several years ago, Mycoskie became inspired with the idea — an "aha" moment that has truly impacted the lives of millions globally. During his visit, he took note of the many children walking barefoot in the small villages along harsh terrain. The Texas-native and former "Amazing Race" contestant also became aware of the evident health issues — soil-inherited diseases, such as ring worm, podoconiosis (or simply "mossy foot"), and tetanus, that can be absorbed through exposed skin; especially in regions laden with silica-rich soil. TOMS, as a result, helps to prevent such disease and increase basic hygiene standards, allowing youth to attend school, work, and simply dream of a brighter tomorrow.

TOMS shoes is still in operation and remains committed to its One for One model, which means for every pair of shoes purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. In addition to shoes, TOMS also offers eyewear, bags, and other accessories, and has expanded its giving model to include donations of sight-saving surgeries, safe water, and impact grants.

In recent years, TOMS has also shifted its focus towards sustainability and ethical production. The company has introduced eco-friendly materials, reduced its carbon footprint, and improved working conditions for its factory workers.

As for the "One Day Without Shoes" event, it appears that the last official event was held in 2015. However, TOMS still encourages people to take part in barefoot walks to raise awareness about the impact of shoes on health and education in developing countries.

According to Mycoskie, "The problem is large but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life without shoes, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions, which is why we ask everyone to join TOMS and participate in ‘One Day Without Shoes’."  

Lightweight in nature, TOMS’ shoes are modeled after the alpargata — a shoe worn by Argentine farmers for the past several hundred years. As the inspiration for the canvas and cotton fabric shoes, styles now include a Wrap Boot, Stitchouts, Cordones and Botas; the sole is rubber, and the brand offers several vegan styles as well.

New this spring, the "Spring Simplified" collection is inspired by the minimalist lifestyle of musician and artist, Lenny Kravits, who takes us back to the basics of being thankful for having the mere "gift of life." The campaign draws from Kravits’ dedication to following the mindset of creating an environment of "low-impact living and reminds us that simplifying our environment unburdens our minds, and our lives," freeing ourselves to give back. In addition, TOMS introduces their posh and trendy ballet flats in an array of styles and shades; from burlap neutral tones to velvet suede in vibrant pinks and sapphire blues, giving avid followers more of a selection to participate in the ‘One for One’ program. 

As Mycoskie reflects on the number of shoes that have been donated and the impact of how the brand has progressed in becoming an international fashion house of stylish comfort, he humbly indicates how "TOMS is extremely [modest] to say that [we] have given (updated) over 10 million pairs of shoes to kids in need with the ‘One for One’ model. [And], because this model has been so successful in addressing the need of shoes for children, it became apparent that it could be used to address other needs as well. Sight was the most obvious of these needs considering that most cases of blindness and visual impairment can be prevented."

TOMS Eyewear — a program launched in the summer of 2011 — addresses the issue of visual impairment and blindness; in true TOMS tradition, each purchase provides a donation through medical treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sight-saving surgery, administered by its first Sight Giving Partner, Seva Foundation. Surprisingly, visual impairment is the seventh-largest health disability in the world, with nearly 90 percent living in underdeveloped countries.

Next time you put on your classic canvas slides, take note; you have made a contribution in providing a type of luxury that most of us take for granted — a healthy lifestyle. Each donation without question has helped establish a stronger foundation for underprivileged children, placing them on the road to success, "one shoe at a time." For more information, visit TOMS.