TOMS Shoes - ethical and affordable

I took this snap yesterday lunchtime in Office, Oxford Street. The sparkle caught my eye first of all, and as with all shoes that catch my eye I had to pick them up - they were as light as air. And then the message that for every pair purchased TOMS would provide a pair for an impoverished child and that was it - I was sold!
Wanting to know more I visited the TOMS website and here is what I read...

In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.

Why Shoes?

Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:

•A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.

•Wearing shoes also prevents feet from getting cuts and sores. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected.

•Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

The thought of barefoot children in the 21st century horrifies me. So indulging your love of shoes can really help someone in need...

To whet your appetite here are more shoes from the TOMS range...

TOMS university classic with rope sole, £37

TOMS classic in grey and black stripe, £37
If you're thinking 'Blimey they're a bit pricey for what they are..' here's why...