Blake Mycoskie of TOMS Shoes

To those of us who deem we live in a world on the decline, a place where the gloom thickens day to day and the actions of our neighbors are done solely for self-induced pleasures or malicious intent, well yes, that may be true. Yet if the senses are acute, occasionally a story will appear providing a glimpse of hope: a righteous deed that may possibly become contagious. At this moment, I may have such a story.

A two year old company by the name of TOMS Shoes (an abbreviation for "Shoes For Tomorrow") swept into the heart of mainstream America, gaining support from thousands of citizens all applauding its cause: For every sale, TOMS Shoes donates one pair of shoes to a child abroad.

It all began with a spontaneous vacation to Argentina. Blake Mycoskie, a 30 year old serial entrepreneur, read a magazine article on the sport of polo that suddenly provoked him to saddle up and head down past the equator. However, the desire to ride horseback with his fellow gauchos lead to something most unexpected, and fate took its course and brought Blake the Alpargata. This shoe, worn mostly by the native farmers as well as the Argentine polo players, inspired the launch of TOMS Shoes. But before he headed home, ten days at sea off the coast of Brazil proved to be yet another life-altering event. Upon arrival, Blake sold all belongings and purchased a boat which he now calls home. "I love it. I can't imagine anything else. You can give me the biggest house in Bel Air and I'd say no thanks."

So, what started as a two-man business with a goal to sell 250 pairs of Alpargata shoes, is now a crew of twenty full time employees and 12 full-time interns, all making a difference. Already dispersing 10,000 pairs in Argentina, Blake and the gang, alongside volunteers, are currently in South Africa handing out 50,000 sets of shoes, all equipped with newly improved soles to survive the rigorous terrain.

Seeking adaptability, TOMS has already eyed its next target. Ethiopia is a nation inundated by Mossy Foot, a devitalizing condition causing swelling and ulcers in the feet. "There are over 600,000 cases of Mossy Foot in Ethiopia, and our main focus is how we can eradicate this disease. We'll be dishing out special rubber boots that will prevent it, as well as trying to raise money for doctors and medicine."

In order to obtain complete participation, TOMS is introducing various products for those willing to support the cause. "We need to hit each demographic, each audience, each source. For example, a canvas shoe we're thinking about launching at Barneys, a high-end leather driving shoe for Neiman’s or Bergdorf, where a whole family can get a pair of TOMS shoes for each pair sold, t-shirts, and eventually a $15 flip-flop. Also, this summer we have a special edition shoe for Whole Foods that's made of organic cotton, no leather on the inside, and recycled rubber from tires."

TOMS Shoes today may be a bottle of water tomorrow, so to all the fortunate ones who are able, the worldwide corporations reaping immense profit, the tiny shop on the corner who stays steady and at times gets fat off the working man's pocket, take heed of TOMS and emulate it's methodology... create a ripple effect of positivity. Go on... lead by example, it's possible.


-Adrian Gabriel Szasz