From a shoe brand to a company involved in the "One for One" project.

Initially, our support for developing countries involved donating the same model of shoes that we sold. However, through partnerships with giving partners and receiving feedback, we have made several changes and improvements.

"Some schools have rules requiring students to wear black shoes, so we made the shoes we gift black. In developing countries, there are areas with rough terrain such as rocky areas, making it difficult to walk in the same shoes as Alpargata. Therefore, we also prepared shoes with rubber soles. Some developing countries have harsh winters with temperatures below freezing. So we also included boot-type shoes with fur linings."


TOMS shoes are now sold in over 70 countries worldwide, totaling 70 million pairs. And TOMS shoes are also given as gifts in over 70 countries.

To meet diverse needs from around the world, TOMS has launched projects not only for shoes but also for eyewear and bags. For every pair of sunglasses sold, an initiative is underway to help one person improve their eyesight. This includes providing prescription glasses and sending ophthalmologists to developing countries to treat conditions such as cataracts. For every bag sold, a project is promoted to support mothers and newborns giving birth in villages without medical facilities, providing bags filled with necessary equipment and training (education) for midwives to ensure safe childbirth in those areas.

TOMS has grown from a shoe brand into a company that conducts the "One for One" initiative. Through its business, it strives to make a lasting social contribution, employing a diverse range of perspectives. Instead of simply distributing shoes without limit to barefoot children around the world, it also considers the need to integrate various elements such as education, culture, and hygiene, including providing shoes only if the child attends school or takes antiparasitic medication.

"Companies all over the world are providing various forms of support. Donating surplus goods to charity organizations is something every manufacturer does. TOMS alone cannot save the world. Nevertheless, we are always thinking about how we can create a better future for children around the world and how we can help people in need around the world. That is our corporate philosophy."

Hajime himself has participated in the Giving Team and traveled to developing countries. Apparently, anyone who becomes a TOMS headquarters employee is required to participate in the team.


"I recently went to Honduras. What I saw there were children with the same tan lines as me. We call it 'TOMS Tan.' You wear TOMS shoes barefoot, so the area around the ankle gets tanned along the opening. The people who buy TOMS shoes, and the children who receive TOMS shoes as gifts, all have the same tan lines. They're all laughing and showing each other their tan lines."

As she said this, she traced the tan lines on her ankles with her fingers, a little sadly but affectionately, and added, "They seem to have faded a bit since I came here."

TOM'S Promotion □ June 7th (Wed) - 20th (Tue)
□ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F = Men's Shoes

*All prices include tax.

Text: Ikeda Yasuyuki
Photo: Ozawa Tatsuya

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F = Men's Shoes
03-3352-1111 (main representative)