Feet & Philanthropy

TOMS Shoes combines cool footwear and a cool concept to bring shoes to consumers and those in need around the world.

Using a “One for One” philosophy, the company donates one pair of shoes to people around the world for every sweatshirt, T-shirt or pair of shoes bought.

TOMS shoe drops have occurred in Africa, South America and even here in the U.S.

“The thing just kind of started to snowball,” said Blake Mycoskie, founder and “chief shoe giver” of the company.

Thought of as “shoes for tomorrow,” TOMS Shoes has grown so much that Mycoskie will give talks to various college campuses about the business, starting tonight at 7 p.m. in Gerrard Hall.

While on vacation in Argentina, he saw volunteers giving shoes to children in neighboring villages. He said he felt moved to help, but in his own unique way. He decided to start a new business that would give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

The way TOMS saves money helps make the “One for One” process possible. 

They don’t spend money on traditional advertisements. When a celebrity wears TOMS Shoes, they are not paid to do so.

“That gives us more money to go back into making a second pair, so we can give it away,” Mycoskie said.

The merchandise is sold at retailers across the country, including Nordstrom and Whole Foods Market, as well as online and at local store Toots & Magoo on Franklin Street. At Toots & Magoo, TOMS shoe prices range from $48 to $67.

“Really and truly for that price and giving a pair away, it’s a good deal,” said Grey Gibson, Toots & Magoo store manager.

While some cringe at the price initially, many have decided to support the cause.

“The shoes seemed a bit pricey to me,” said Lindsay Visser, a Hawaii Pacific student, originally from Chapel Hill who owns a pair of TOMS. “But when I factored in the second pair that goes to a child in need, I changed my mind.”

The shoes have a variety of eye-catching styles and are known for their comfort.

“They mold to my feet; they’re lightweight,” Visser said. “There isn’t really anything else like them.”

Mycoskie said the first and easiest way to get involved with the cause is to buy a pair of shoes. In addition to the donated pair, wearing TOMS brings attention to the cause, he said.

“The great thing about our mission and our message and our movement is it’s easy to participate,” he said.

Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.