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TOMS Shoes: Comfortables Shoes sold everywhere, including in Singapore

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TOMS Shoes: One for One Movement

courtesy of smcnally10.files.wordpress.com/.../toms_logo.jpg
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courtesy of smcnally10.files.wordpress.com/.../toms_logo.jpg

With every pair you purchase, Toms will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

That’s the premise for the success of TOMS shoes. I first saw him on TV, unloading tons of shoes and personally putting shoes on the feet of bare-footed kids in Africa. I was touched—here’s an entrepreneur with an agenda. Not for himself but a social cause to boot. I want to buy those shoes, I told myself.

My daughter beat me to it. As it turned out, all her young friends were crazy about TOMS and it’s not the Tom next door. It’s a pair of unassuming canvas shoes that resemble what I used to wear as a kid in Singapore. Practical, no-nonsensical, light-weight, yet quirkily cool. and eco-friendly. She bought a gray pair. Though a little on the pricey side, I didn’t wince—because I know that for the pair she bought, a child somewhere will get a pair.

Does she like it? Apart from the fact, that’s almost a fashion statement? She doesn’t just like it, as she says—she LOVES it.

After trying on hers, I’m sold. Soft and plush on the inside, the canvas wrap around your feet like your skin. You feel almost bare-footed yet you can feel the soft insole holding your feet up. With shoes like this, you can even run the marathon. OK, maybe, not quite but it’s that comfortable. The only catch—it will be soaked through in the rain. If you’re thinking of buying one, make sure it fits snugly as the canvas stretch a little after you’ve worn it for a while.

Happy Recipients of TOMS shoes

courtesy of tnjn.com/.../2008/02/25/Tomsshoes.box.jpg
courtesy of tnjn.com/.../2008/02/25/Tomsshoes.box.jpg

What Does TOMS Shoes Stand for?

You will find little tags “TOMS” stitched to every pair. Short for Shoes for Tomorrow, this signature hallmark bears the one-for-one message. This is the promise: With every pair sold, one pair is given away to someone in need. To date, TOMS has given away 600,000 pairs and the number will continue to rise as its popularity soars.

Who Started TOMS Shoes?

Blake Mycoskie. He was an entrepreneur even as a kid. While his parents were playing golf, he was busy selling cookies and lemonade to hungry golfers.  At college, he started a laundry business that he later sold. After finishing second with his sister in the Amazing Race, he decided to start his own reality show. To do so, he decided to revisit Argentina, one of the places he covered during the race. While there, he came across the alpargata (espadrille in Spanish), which is a kind of shoes worn by Argentine workers for the last 100 years. He had an idea—he would update the traditional rope-soled shoes with rubber soles and leather on the inside and make them appealing with an assortment of designs. With that in mind, he was further struck by the poverty he saw:  the children were too poor to afford shoes and often sustain cuts and scrapes that led to serious infections. He had an epiphany: Why not combine his business venture with a social cause.

The idea: One for One Movement was born. Sustainability in action.

Meet Blake Mycoskie

How did TOMS become such a phenomenon?

To realize his dream, he started TOMS in his small Venice apartment with a handful of enthusiastic interns. The first two years were a grind—he said he practically had to beg people to buy the shoes.

What catches on was the idea behind it. When people realized that they can actually make an impact with a simple purchase, the idea spread like wild fire. On his first shoe drop to Argentina, he toted 10,000 pairs of shoes!

Today, TOMS shoes are sold in almost all states in America and far-flung countries such as Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada and South-east Asian countries such as Singapore, the Philippines and South Korea..

It has also been featured in many magazines and TV shows. A documentary has been made and will make its debut in Sundance.

Anatomy of TOMS Shoes

TOMS shoes are made of low environment friendly materials. The canvas portion is made of Texture Twill material (67% hemp, 33% recycled plastics). The soft insole is made of micro fiber as opposed to suede in the regular line. The sole is made of part recycled rubber.  Minimal glue is used to put the shoe together.

Other TOMS merchandise

Apart from TOMS shoes for men and women, recently, a line for kids was added. You can also buy TOMS t-shirts, stickers, gift packs, jackets, caps and hoodies and they equal one shoe given to a child when purchased.

TOMS shoes can be funky

courtesy of pbalocal.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/6a00e009
courtesy of pbalocal.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/6a00e009

There is a pair of Toms for everyone. Whether you need some height or prefer flats, a pair that looks dressy or one that you can romp around in, Toms offer a wide range to cater to different needs. Here is a list of Toms shoe selection:

  • Toms Wrap Boots


  • Toms Canvas Classics Shoes


  • Toms Botas Styles


  • Tom Cordones Shoes


  • Tom Stitchouts Shoes


  • Toms Vegan Shoes


  • Toms Wedding Style Shoes


  • Toms Glitter Shoes


  • Toms Wedges


Whatever style you choose, eco-chic is always in style.

courtesy of ww.didntyouhear.com/.../2009/04/tomsshoes.jpg
courtesy of ww.didntyouhear.com/.../2009/04/tomsshoes.jpg

Comments

Pamela99 2 years ago

Anginwu, The shoes are really cute and what a worthwhile cause. This is a very good hub. Rated up.

anglnwu 2 years ago

Pam, thanks for your continual support. Thanks for rating it up.

a2z50 2 years ago

Hi anglnwu,

I heard about this story on TV. It is just amazing how well this guy has promoted this rather simple product . And what a wonderful idea to give to the needy with shoes .

Nice work on this Hub !

Thank you

Ron

As always also rprcarz50

anglnwu 2 years ago

Ron, it's so sweet of you to drop by again and again. Appreciate your comments. Blake Mycoskie is pretty amazing and his idea is even more amazing.

anglnwu 2 years ago

Ron, it's so sweet of you to drop by again and again. Appreciate your comments. Blake Mycoskie is pretty amazing and his idea is even more amazing.

hypnodude 2 years ago

That's a great idea. I love when entrepreneurs make money while at the same time help people in need. Great hub and great story. Rated, stumbled and shared with followers. The sharing button is becoming my preferred tool on HP. Well done anglnwu. :)

jill of alltrades 2 years ago

What a wonderful story and product! Blake Mycoskie is amazing!

Thank you very much for sharing my friend.

anglnwu 2 years ago

Dude, I greatly appreciate you for rating it up. I know, if more entrepreneurs have this kind of giving spirit, the world will be a better place, for sure. Often, we have people who try to wring you dry for profits. Thank you so much for dropping by.

anglnwu 2 years ago

Jill, love his spirit too. Great guy and great cause. Thank you for dropping by.

Amber Allen 2 years ago

A great hub about a great cause. Blake Mycoskie has hit on a novel idea to help others less fortunate than ourselves. Rated up. Amber:)

anglnwu 2 years ago

Thanks, Amber for rating it up and so good to see you again.

ReuVera 2 years ago

You know, "shoes" is my weakness. I like to try all different kinds (including weird). TOMS look like very comfortable snickers. And you are right, though you can find a pair like those for much cheaper, the cause weights over and just for the idea of giving a pair of shoes to a needy kid, I'd buy TOMS.

Very good hub. Great job.

prettydarkhorse 2 years ago

wow, this is a nice hub my angel, to have shoes and give back as well, Thank you for this work angel, I rated it up as usual, Maita

anglnwu 2 years ago

Vera,it always make me happy to see you at my hub. You'll be happy with TOMS shoes. I know you've quite a reputation as the shoe lady, having written many useful hubs on shoes, so you'll know a good pair when you see one. TOMS shoes are casual but some have worn them at weddings and at important events to make a statement. Anyway, enjoy your TOMS.

anglnwu 2 years ago

Maita, what an honor to have you visit 2 of my hubs in one day. Thanks for rating it up and have yourself a beautiful day!

BkCreative 24 months ago

I always like reading about the creative, the entrepreneurs - it is always inspiring! I never knew the story behind TOMS - thanks for such a thorough and informative hub.

Rated up - of course!

wittywit 24 months ago

once again a great hub from a great hub writer

anglnwu 24 months ago

BKCreative, great to see you again. Creative entrepreneurs are rare, the kind who is not out to just make a profit. Thanks for stopping by with your insights and thanks for rating it up.

anglnwu 24 months ago

wittywit, appreciate your kind comments and of course, so good to see u again.

Money Glitch 24 months ago

I love making purchases that benefits others. It just feels like the right thing to do. I've been hearing TOMS mentioned, now I'm convinced to buy a pair. Thanks for sharing. Thumbs up and awesome! :)

anglnwu 24 months ago

Money, thanks for rating it up and yes, you won't regret your purchase. It's for a good cause and it's just in time for summer too! See u around.

Lady_E 24 months ago

Glad I read the Hub. First time I've heard of Toms - they sure look comfy.

Best Wishes. :)

anglnwu 24 months ago

Lady E, I'm glad you stopped by. Look out for TOMS, they sell them in United Kingdom too.

RTalloni 24 months ago

Good stuff here! Thanks for putting us on to this product!

anglnwu 24 months ago

RTalloni, you bet. Thanks for taking time to drop a line.

Cassidella 24 months ago

Hi anglnwu, this is a nice hub! Never heard of these shoes. This guy was surely thinking on his feet! Good to know that others benefit from the sales.

anglnwu 24 months ago

cassidella, good to see u here. Agreed--his thinking on his feet has benefited many feet the world over. You can find TOMS at Nordstrom, if you're looking for a pair. Thank you for dropping by.

wavegirl22 24 months ago

Now isnt it just like you to find something so wonderful in more ways then one .. how is it you never cease to amaze me! This Hub is extraordinary in so many ways and of course it starts with just about one of my most favorite hubbers :) Now if only TOMS would make a shoe with a just a little bit of a lift for the extra petite :) They are so cute, so I just may be sold on going with a flat pair of shoes for a change:)

xoxox thumbs up .. 5 stars . you are a true inspiration ?

anglnwu 24 months ago

Shari, you never fail to put a smile on my face with your generous and kind comments. What a way to start the day! I'm petite like you too, so this flat pair of shoes may have its drawback but comfort may take precedence in this case. Thanks for the thumbs up and talking about inspiration...you know they say that when you point your fingers at others, you're actually pointing at yourself. Now, this one (the inspiration that you're) applies to you, exclusively. Have a good day.

TINA V 24 months ago

I heard about this story once on TV. It is just amazing that there are people who find time to share their blessings to others. The shoes look fancy and seems comfortable to wear. I like the photos and video you just posted. Have a great week!

anglnwu 24 months ago

Tina, thanks for your kind comments. They're very comfortable, believe me.

mussmuss 23 months ago

Hi anglnwu, I first heard about these when I saw some special on The Big Idea. I love the concept behind these shoes. I wish more people would be like Blake. I am still waiting to own my first pair and I want them to be super funky.

anglnwu 23 months ago

mussmuss, thanks for your comments. I agree with you--if only there were more people like blake. Yes to super funky!

Ebower 10 months ago

I wrote an article about TOMS, too, but I think you might have written a better one. I have heard they are super comfortable, but yes, that they wear out soon and stretch out. Thanks for the great article!

anglnwu 10 months ago

Thanks, Ebower, read your article and love it too!

rtimoermsanen 7 months ago

I LOVE TOMS!!! I also think it is very sweet to donate shoes to people less fortunate!! WONDERFUL idea!!

anglnwu 7 months ago

ritmoermsanen, i think so too. I have quite a few pairs. thanks for dropping by to comment.

Gina 6 months ago

Hey! Do u noe whether its true that the insoles of TOMS are made from pig skin?

anglnwu 6 months ago

Thanks, Gina, for dropping by. According to their website, the inner sole is made of pig's skin.

shoug 6 months ago

are the inner sole's of toms shoes made from pig skin?

anglnwu 6 months ago

shoug, yes, it is. Thanks for commenting.

LadyBug 7 weeks ago

Do you know which outlet in Singapore sells Toms?

anglnwu 7 weeks ago

LadyBug, from what I know--they have it t Pedder Red at Ngee Ann City and Rockstar by Soonlee. In any case, you can always buy them online--wider selection. Hope that helps.

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