Our Story
We’ve always been in business to improve lives.
In 2006, TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie pioneered the One for One®model—giving away one pair of shoes for every pair sold, supporting larger health, education, and community development programs through strategic partnerships.
Today we give ⅓ of profits for grassroots good. Since the beginning of TOMS, our community has made a positive impact on over 100,000,000 lives—and we’re far from finished. Take a look at some of the highlights over the years.
2006
The first shoe is given
2006
The first shoe is given
The original One for One®company takes shape in Venice, CA. Blake Mycoskie travels to Argentina with a small crew and 10,000 pairs of shoes to give away
2008
One day without shoes
2008
One day without shoes
Our global community goes one day without shoes to raise awareness for children’s health and education.
2009
Giving partners join the mix
2009
Giving partners join the mix
We begin working with humanitarian organizations to integrate shoes into existing programs.
2010
1 million pairs of shoes given
2010
1 million pairs of shoes given
2012
TOMS Giving Department grows
2012
TOMS Giving Department grows
A Giving Team managed by a Chief Giving Officer begins to oversee every aspect of giving.
2015
50 million pairs of shoes given
2015
50 million pairs of shoes given
2018
TOMS becomes a Certified B Corporation™
2018
TOMS becomes a Certified B Corporation™
We meet the highest standards of social and environmental accountability.
Impact grants start
In addition to giving shoes, TOMS starts investing in strategic impact grants.
2020
100,000,000 pairs of shoes given.
2020
100,000,000 pairs of shoes given.
2021
We evolved our impact model to ⅓ of profits for grassroots good.
2021
We evolved our impact model to ⅓ of profits for grassroots good.
Since the beginning of TOMS, our community has had a positive impact on over 100,000,000 lives—and we’re far from finished.
Ground-up change starts with us
Today, TOMS commits 1/3 of profits for grassroots good, supporting people building equity at the local level, and driving progress from the ground up.
That’s why our shoes are really something special—especially our classic Alp, which we like to think of as the shoe that started it all.
Every purchase helps create a more equitable tomorrow, so let’s keep moving forward together.
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Our Iconic Alp
From its origin in Spain, to its adoption in Argentina, the espadrille or the alpargata has always been a shoe of the people - designed to throw on and get after it.