If they haven’t made themselves known by now, TOMS shoes are the new trend that have recently been slipped on the feet of many. Available in several different styles including, the classics, women’s glitters, vegans, cardones and tiny TOMS, they are easily recognized by their fashionable yet original look. TOMS aren’t just any ordinary shoe either; they have an interesting story and purpose behind them.
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie developed friendships with children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Mycoskie wanted to make a difference so he created TOMS shoes. This company matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.
TOMS shoes sparked freshman Alexis Riedel’s interest through a friend she met at church camp.
“At first I noticed his shoes because they were extremely worn out and ratty looking. Quite frankly I thought they resembled a potato bag,” Riedel said.
Riedel found out the story behind these potato bag-looking shoes and immediately fell in love with the cause.
“When I got back home I was very relieved to find out that there were more stylish pairs than the ones he owned,” Riedel said.
She now owns five pairs of TOMS that she bought online. Riedel thinks people should look into the cause of TOMS because of the great feeling she gets of being able to change someone’s life.
Senior Jake Rohrer owns two pairs of TOMS that were given to him as a gift and likes how TOMS have taken a completely different way of helping out.
“I always hear about people needing food and help with other things but it makes sense that they would need shoes too,” Rohrer said.
Rohrer thinks TOMS are a win-win situation.
“If you like the look and have no idea of the cause you’re still helping out, but it doesn’t hurt to spread the word and buy a pair every once in awhile to help out,” Rohrer said.
Riedel found her own way of giving back to people in need through purchasing TOMS.
“My church has been very active in Africa and I have always wanted to find a way to help out,” Riedel said. “I loved the way TOMS gave people an opportunity to easily get involved in making a difference over there.”
Vasilios Tryphonas II, head manager of Ride4Ever Sports in the Shawnee Mission All American Sports complex, views TOMS from a marketing and retail point of view and has seen increases in TOMS shoe sales.
“We have seen an increase in sales specifically online. TOMS design was pretty narrow when they first came out but now they have broadened their marketing and the overall design is great,” Tryphonas said.
Tryphonas believes that the reason why TOMS have become popular is because people know they’re not buying just to buy.
“People know they’re helping someone out but they justify their spending because of the good cause behind the shoe,” Tryphonas said.
Tryphonas has his own pair of TOMS and shared some of his personal knowledge and opinions about the shoes.
“They’re some of the most comfortable shoes you’ll wear. They have so much character and are just a great long lasting shoe to cruise around in,” Tryphonas said. “You help somebody out when you purchase a pair and it’s really just a win-win situation.”
Besides TOMS, other corporations are also taking a similar stance in helping people in need.
Some examples would be the Pampers Corporation and Tide, both of which participate in one for one movements. Pampers, for newborn vaccinations; Tide, to provide clean clothes for victims of natural disasters.
