TOMS

I have a new obsession.

Alright, alright, I know they're not technically new for most people, but I am just now latching onto the trend.

It's a good trend, though.

TOMS Shoes is a company that was founded on the idea of "one for one". With every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need.

On their website, they explain "why shoes?":

"Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:  A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause. Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. 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. "

Some might question how a company will survive on that premise, but Blake Mycoskie has hushed all skepticism. Mycoskie traveled to Argentina in 2006 and realized the children he met had no shoes to protect their feet. Motivated to help, he started TOMS and returned later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes as a result of customers' help.

As of April 2010, TOMS has given away 600,000 pairs of shoes to children in need.

By inspiring other companies to do the same, TOMS has somewhat reinvented the foundation of business on the realization of how much people want to be part of something bigger.

TOMs carries shoes for men, women & children.

My particular favorite?? The glitter version in gold & silver:

Too sparkly, you ask? Nothing is ever too sparkly.

(all images from their website)

They are THE most comfortable shoes. If I walk around Manhattan all day in flip flops, A. the arches of my feet hurt and B. I'm exposing my feet to the germy subway and all the feet-stompers in congested areas. Not anymore!

Great arch support/more coverage than flip flops/cuter than sneakers/for a good cause. And at ~ $50/pair (actually TWO pairs, if you think about it), that's pretty darn fantastic.

The popularity of TOMS started on the West Coast and has since spread. You can't even find some of the styles/colors online since they're completely backordered until the end of July. I'd suggest searching another online retailer (Nordstrom, for example) or click here  to find a store near you.

Still not convinced you want to be a part of the TOMS movement? Watch this video.

until next time,

g