TOMS Shoes

Any of you guys see that commercial for AT&T cell phone service with the guy who donates shoes to needy children?

Men's Element Design

Well, after seeing it on TV, I was curious to know if that was a legit company. And, it is.

From the Toms Shoes website:

One for One

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about.

Our Story

In 2006 an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created a company that would match every pair of shoes sold with a pair given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by caring TOMS customers.

Since our beginning, TOMS has given over 140,000* pairs of shoes to children in need through the One for One model. Because of your support, TOMS plans to give over 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world in 2009.

Our ongoing community events and Shoe Drop Tours allow TOMS supporters and enthusiasts to be part of our One for One movement. Join us.

Why shoes?

Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk.

Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot.

Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation.

Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential. There is one simple solution...SHOES.

Four of the planet's six billion people live in conditions inconceivable to many. Lets take a step towards a better tomorrow.

The shoes that they make look different than what I would call a "normal shoe", but they look really comfortable and have a unique style.

Women's Silver Sparkles

I have not ordered a pair yet, but I will shortly. I will let you know my thoughts on the shoes, but regardless, its for a good cause.

So next time you need a new pair of shoes, check out the site and do some good. They make shoes for men, women, and kids...so no excuses!

~Joshua