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I don’t know if I buy shoes more or less often than the average guy out there, but I do know that it feels like I rarely purchase shoes. I fondly remember the days when I bought nothing but Chuck Taylors and wore them until there was about three centimeters of glue holding the sole on. Now my shoe selection has some variety and, unlike in my Converse days, I can afford to buy shoes that last a little longer. And so, now that I have sufficiently worn all of my current show selection into the ground (literally?,) it’s become time to begin yet another search for my next perfect shoe. Most often a fruitless endeavor. Even a thorough search through the mall most often yeilds no results. As it did the other day.
However, while flipping through the debut issue of GOOD Magazine, I stumbled upon a blurb about Toms Shoes. Toms Shoes is a great company based out of Valencia, California. Their shoe line-up is simple and to a point. They are inspired by the traditional shoe worn by the people of Argentina. After spending time in South America, founder Blake Mycoskie decided to start Toms Shoes for one purpose alone: “To make life more comfortable.” That could, of course, be the slogan of any shoe company. However Blake takes it a step further, or backward as it were, by sending a pair of shoes to a child for every shoe we buy, thus making life more comfortable for more than just those of us who can afford new shoes.
What’s more, they’re actually affordable, attractive, lightweight, reportedly very comfortable and they’ve got them for your kids, too (Tiny Toms).
So I pretty much know where my next pair of shoes are coming from and even better, where another pair are going.
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Comments ( 12 )
Alannah added these pithy words on Oct 07 06 at 8:15 amI love Good Magazine. I haven’t seen the print copy yet, but I check the web site all the time. Is it just me or do I feel a shift occurring, a shift towards positive output?
Bryan Moats added these pithy words on Oct 08 06 at 8:52 pmYes, I’ve noticed a change, too. Check out Ode Magazine, as well (odemagazine.com). Their slogan being “For the Intelligent Optimist.” The whole premise of the publication is to highlight the possitive solutions, ideas, etc to our troubling problems in hopes of creating sort of a self-fulfilling, cyclical information source. The more solutions, the more content, in a way.
LiP Magazine also follows a similiar format. Those two magazines and Good are becoming a few of my favorite new magazines.
Cathy Campbell added these pithy words on Oct 27 06 at 1:57 pmHEY- I just found out about Tom shoes,too. I actually saw a girl with them on and was talking about how I like them, she told me the story behind them. I’m actually looking into seeing how they distribute them and whether or not Masons could carry them. I hope so!!
Bryan Moats added these pithy words on Oct 27 06 at 9:09 pmThat would be awesome. Let me know how that turns out. Then maybe we could take whatever winning argument you presented and get others to carry the shoes in Bowling Green and elsewhere, too.
BML added these pithy words on Nov 22 06 at 11:27 amI’m considering getting a pair, but I’m wondering how versatile they are.. I mean, are these something I can comfortably wear outside everyday? Do they feel like slippers? Am I kidding myself thinking I could wear these for long walks in the city?
Hmmm!
Bryan Moats added these pithy words on Nov 22 06 at 12:40 pmI haven’t ordered my pair yet, but I’m betting that they could be likened to a pair of Chuck Taylors in terms of versatility and comfort. Not much of a winter shoe, I’m guessing, but comfortable once worn in.
Green Girl added these pithy words on May 30 07 at 10:13 amIf you love TOMS Shoes and everything the company stands for, you will love this! If you go to houseparty.com/events, you will soon be able to apply to be one of 1,500 TOMS Fans to host a Style Your Sole House Party on July 28th. Buy a pair of white canvas TOMS and apply your own design, and it might just become a Limited Edition. Buy a few, and Blake himself might shoe - er - show up at your home on party day! For every pair you buy, a child in South Africa will get their own.
Sole Ambassador added these pithy words on Jun 11 07 at 6:38 pmTOMS Shoes is an amazing company with an amazing mission. Spread the word and get TOMS on your feet ASAP!!!
For FREE SHIPPING and $5 off on your next pair of TOMS, check out http://www.tomsshoes.com and enter in PROMO Code: KATIEM at the checkout.
Josie added these pithy words on Jun 12 07 at 4:46 pmHey everybody
If you want free shipping online…please use the promotional code JOSIEC and feel free to tell everyone about it..it should be relevant this whole summer, using it would really help me and TOMS out
thanks
JoeyBurns added these pithy words on Aug 31 07 at 5:30 pmWow, there is some really nice info here.
I’ll definitely come back soon to see everything.
Way to go!
Joey
Mallory added these pithy words on Oct 12 07 at 11:55 amI have a pair of TOMS… they are sooooo comfortable. They are comfortable to walk around in all day or just for short trips to the store. They are fantastic!!! I highly, highly recommend them!
