My daughter recently convinced me to purchase her a new pair of TOMS shoes. Since there is not a store near us that sale TOMS shoes for children, I turned to the internet to make my purchase. While browsing the TOMS website I came across the history of TOMS shoes was started, their purpose, and what countries they currently donate shoes to. For those of you that might be unaware, TOMS shoes started in 2006 and they promise to donate one pair of shoes to a child in need of shoes for every pair of shoes purchased.See the interview with the founder, Blake Mycoskie, below. Sounds like a great way to give to those in need while also getting a pair for yourself, your child or someone else. TOMS shoes have become very popular over the last 5 years and other companies are trying/have tried to mirror the TOMS project and shoes.
Once I read the history of TOMS shoes, it spiked my curiosity to find out about the history of the BOBS shoes that Skechers has out. During my research I found that BOBS shoes were almost identical to the TOMS and Skechers also promised to donate a pair of shoes to a child in need with each purchase. There were numerous articles on the internet that accused Skechers of mocking TOMS by creating the BOBS. Many people seemed to have an issue with Skechers trying to “rip” off TOMS by creating the BOBS to sale at a cheaper price. The argument seemed to deal more with the issue that TOMS was trying to do a charitable deed and Skechers tried to steal TOMS idea. Although I couldn’t find a specific statement verifying that Skechers has pulled BOBS from internet sales, the BOBS website is no longer available and I couldn’t locate BOBS on the Skecher website.
Have you ever heard of Paez? Paez is another company that I ran across during my research. Paez shoes have the same basic design as both TOMS and BOBS. Paez are cheaper than TOMS and since I couldn’t locate the BOBS site, I’m unsure of how they relate in price. Paez does not promise to give a pair to child in need for every pair purchased, but guarantees that their shoes are 100% from Argentina products and made by the Argentine people.
There you have it, three very similar pairs of shoes from three different companies. What is your choice of shoes? Do you choose a more expensive pair of shoes simply because they are the brand TOMS or because they donate a pair of shoes to a child in need? Do you choose the brand BOBS that so many blame for trying to steal the TOMS idea because they might be cheaper? Do you chose a brand that is cheaper and made by the Argentine people from Argentina products even though they don’t donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. I want to hear from you!
After contemplating which brand I would prefer, I decided that TOMS is still the brand that I would purchase. I was most impressed with the large number of shoes they sale each year and turn around and donate to children in need.
To read more about TOMS shoes visit www.toms.com and to read more about Paez shoes visit www.paezshoes.com.
WOW................... Seems to much for a pair of shoes.... If you want to save the world by giving people a pair of shoes then go ahead and buy your shoes from these "Brands". Me, I would rather just by the shoes that I want and then find a person that really needs shoes and donate my old ones that I just replaced. Or even better, buy them the pair of shoes that he or she wants. In the end, everyone is happy and maybe then we can all get along. Don't let these Brand name shoes make you lose sleep. Just do what you feel and buy what you want. It is you that has to place one foot in front of the other when you get up in the morning. It's your choice, not what you think is best for "their" purpose. "Live free or Die"....
ReplyDeleteJust go to Footlocker tomorrow and you will feel better.....lol
My response is to the idea that Sketchers is trying to “rip-off” and idea that TOMS shoes first had. Are we to believe that a great charitable idea, such as donating shoes to people in need, is a bad thing to copy? I understand that the main goal of most company’s is to be profitable, but if you can be profitable while helping others, it’s a win-win. I think it would be great if all shoe companies “ripped-off” TOMS idea. It seems ridiculous to me that anyone would have an issue with another shoe company copying this great idea. It we have come to the point where charitable contributions has become something that is trademarked or copy-righted we have major problems one our hands.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great cause. It's a good way to provide for those in need and also a great marketing strategy. I don't see why it would matter if another shoe company mirrored their technique. What's wrong with that? Even in the video clip above, the owner of TOMS was sayinghe hoped their movement encouraged other companies to help. I am sure there is more than enough people out there who need help, there's plenty of business for the shoe companies.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a lot of attention in the media about the TOMS shoes brand. There are many celebrities backing the brand because of the cause that it supports. For every pair sold, a pair is donated to a child in need. INDEED, I say! I think the concept is great. I have never heard of the Sketcher's brand BOBS, but I have to agree with Army Aviator. If there is a company out there that wants to "copy" this idea, that is great! I am sure that TOMS is probably making a nice profit from the sales of their shoes. Especially if you have celebrities backing the cause and endorsing the product. There is also alot of media attention with some schools in the U.S. supporting the cause with the "One Day Without Shoes" event.
ReplyDeleteAnytime there is a company that supports causes like this, people will support it. I am definetely thinking about purchasing a pair!
I think it's a good idea, however, why go through a promo to donate shoes. I agree with EMORTALSOLDIER; just give away your old ones. Me personally, when my closet is full of shoes and I decide it's time to buy new ones, I take some of the old ones to Goodwill. If a person is really in need of shoes, he/she will appreciate anything they can get.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for "rip-offs"; that's what the world is today. Everyone is trying to get ahead of the next person. Everyone is trying to make a buck, whether that means stealing someone else's idea and modifying it to make it their own or not. As long as the TOMS is making their money, which I'm sure they are, I don't think this is an issue.
Wow! Chenae you had great response to this blog post. Good job and good topic. I have never owned a pair of TOMS. My daughter (age 20) has a a few pairs and I have check out the display of TOMS at Whole Food Market before. I think it is great for the company to give a portion of their profit to those in need. We should all take a lesson in this. There is a large mark up in shoes, probably more than 50%; they still make a profit and give back what they have been blessed with also.
ReplyDeleteI have never purchased a pair for a couple of reasons, they don't look comfy and canvas gets so dirty.
The toe part seems a little narrow and for a pair of flats to fit; in order to stay on, they have to be a bit snug.
If TOMS can be washed; do they shrink?
If BOBS was a copy of TOMS I understand, from a marketing, profit, and ethical platform, but what if the TOMS company sparked a chain reaction for other companies to do the same?
I will look at TOMS differently now.