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Since 2006, TOMS have been helping the poorest of the world through fashion. Their One for One movement means that profits from shoes sold in the Western world go to purchasing shoes for children in developing countries. Traditional TOMS have been of the slipper style shoe; in fact they probably brought back the trend for slipper shoes. This spring however, TOMS are launching ballet flats at the request of customers looking for a smarter style.
TOMS was founded primarily for charitable means. When American traveller Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina in 2006, he was horrified to see that many did not have any footwear. On returning home he set up TOMS and the One for One movement. We all take shoes for granted, worrying about what style of shoe to buy rather than how we can afford just one pair. Millions of children live without footwear everyday worldwide. By going barefoot, a child is more likely to contract soil-transmitted diseases and get infections from cuts and grazes on the feet. Also, children without shoes are not able to attend school because they are part of the uniform.
TOMS have many celebrity fans including Angelina Jolie and the Olsen twins who last year collaborated with the charitable shoe brand to create a capsule collection by The Row. TOMS are available for men, women and kids in a huge assortment of fun colours and fabrics including crochet, animal print and glitter. The new ballet shoe is a great way to reach out to a wider audience looking for a smarter style. Hitting stores in March, the new style will come in burlap, suede and linen, in leopard print, monochrome and tribal inspired prints among other colours. They will be available in size 3 to 10, including half sizes.
