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The TOMS Story
TOMS was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, inspired by a trip to Argentina where he saw extreme poverty and health conditions, as well as children walking without shoes. That’s when he recognized the traditional Argentine alpargata shoe as a simple, yet revolutionary solution. He quickly set out to reinvent the alpargata for the U.S. market with a simple goal: to show how together, we can create a better tomorrow by taking compassionate action today.
To realize this mission, Blake made a commitment to match every pair of TOMS purchased with a new pair given to a child in need. One for One. “I was so overwhelmed by the spirit of the South American people, especially those who had so little,” Mycoskie said. “And I was instantly struck with the desire — the responsibility — to do more.”
Giving
During its first year in business, TOMS sold 10,000 pairs of shoes. Blake returned to Argentina later that year with family and friends and gave back to the children who had first inspired him. Thanks to supporters, TOMS gave the One Millionth pair of new shoes to a child in need in September 2010. TOMS now gives in over 20 countries and works with charitable partners in the field who incorporate shoes into their health, education, hygiene, and community development programs.
TOMS’ giving partners are made up of NGOs, charities, and non-profits already established and working in the countries in which TOMS gives. Their expertise guides TOMS to give new shoes responsibly, making sure there aren’t adverse socioeconomic effects, and to ensure that sustainable giving is possible. Giving shoes to the same children on a regular basis is the idea upon which TOMS was started, and is what truly improves the lives of children and their communities.
The TOMS Movement
The TOMS movement was started by young people, and they continue to be a huge driving force. With Campus Clubs and internship, compassionate young people are getting involved with TOMS like with no other brand. To keep their thumb on the pulse of the movement, many TOMS supporters stay connected with the active TOMS Community on Facebook and Twitter.
Enthusiastic college students were also responsible for getting the first One Day Without Shoes off the ground in 2008. One Day Without Shoes is the day in April when TOMS asks people to go without shoes to raise awareness of children growing up barefoot and the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. It’s grown far beyond college campuses, and in only its third year, people of all ages got involved — in 2010, over a quarter of a million people went barefoot and over 1600 barefoot events took place globally.
Shoes and More
In addition to the alpargata-inspired Classics, TOMS offers several other styles. Cordones, the TOMS you can wear with or without laces, as well as the Botas, are designed for both men and women. Stitchouts for men, the Wedge and the Wrap Boot for women, and Youth and Tiny TOMS for children are also available, as well as many vegan-friendly styles for all ages that use no animal byproducts. TOMS.com also carries Tees, hats, and accessories that are also matched with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.
Where we give
Angola
El Salvador
Liberia
South Africa
Argentina
Ethiopia
Malawi
Sri Lanka
Armenia
Guatemala
Mali
Swaziland
Bangladesh
Haiti
Moldova
Tajikistan
Belize
Honduras
Nicaragua
Tanzania
Cambodia
India
Niger
Uganda
China
Iraq
Peru
Ukraine
Costa Rica
Gaza Strip
Philippines
United States
Dominican Republic
Kenya
Romania
Uzbekistan
DRC
Lesotho
Rwanda
Zambia
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