The Samford Crimson

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Expressions

The statement, “This pair of shoes changed my life,” is probably an exaggeration in most cases.
The truth about TOMS shoes, however, is that they really do change lives.

Blake Mycoskie created TOMS shoes in 2006 with the simple goal to make life more comfortable. TOMS shoes accomplish this mission by not only offering a very comfortable shoe, but also by committing to match every pair of shoes purchased with a donated pair of shoes for a child in need. When customers purchase a pair of shoes from TOMS, they are getting a “buy one, get one free” deal – a pair of shoes for themselves and a pair for someone who does not have any.

This revolutionary shoe philosophy has taken flight and is one of the currently fastest growing shoe companies .

Samford students have caught on to this trend that makes a difference. Rachel Richardson, senior journalism and mass communication and art major, and Malloree Morgan, sophomore family studies major are two such students. They are Sole Ambassadors for Samford, on staff at TOMS and believe in the company’s mission.

“Shoes are such a common luxury to most people in the United States and to people who can afford them,” Morgan said. “We don't think about those who aren't fortunate to even have a single pair of shoes. TOMS exists to change that and shed light on a situation that I feel is forgotten and looked over.” 

“I believe in TOMS because the company’s sole purpose is to give, rather than how much they can get in return,” Richardson said. “TOMS allows any person to positively impact the life of a child.”

Throughout the semester, Richardson and Morgan will be working with TOMS to organize events and lead discussions about the company’s impact.

TOMS “Style Your Soles” college tour is coming to Samford on Friday. Two of the company’s employees are traveling across the country to spread the word about the product. The event will be held in Harry’s from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During the event, video footage will be shown  from the previous shoe drops, where TOMS volunteers dropped off thousands of shoes to children. In addition, musician Tim Schurrer will be performing. Shoes can be ordered prior to the event and can be picked up in Harry’s on Friday.

TOMS sell for $38 on average. They can be purchased at www.tomsshoes.com or in stores such as Nordstrom’s, Urban Outfitters and Bloomingdale’s.

If you are interested in ordering shoes to be picked up this Friday or you have any further questions, contact Rachel Richardson at rlrichar [at] samford [dot] edu or Malloree Morgan at mdmorga2 [at] samford [dot] edu.

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