Airwalk Hope Slip On Shoes

kyla

It's nice that these are cheaper than TOMS, but TOMS also has glitter versions. On top of that, although these also help benefit a worthwhile cause, it's a little ridiculous to have competing charities by selling a nearly identical product. Plus, most kids want the real deal, not some knock-off. But anyway, TOMS are kind of expensive at $44+ a pair, but I found that I can wear the kids sizes. A women's size 7 can fit a youth size 5 very easily. I tested it, and it is actually true. Also, I think the soles of the youth shoes are a little better quality.

Violeta

I hate to sound like a total grinch here, but this rising trend of shoes that contain a shoe donation for some unfortunate child is pretty disturbing. Tom's seems to have at least done some research so you can be somewhat sure a kid in need is actually getting the free shoes, but the more copycats pop up, the less one can be sure that they also have.

Beyond the fundamental question of whether or not your money is actually going where you think it's going, there's also the awful fact that giving out free stuff on a mass scale is actually not great for the economies of the beneficiary countries. Instead of giving them the means to make their own shoes, we're encouraging to depend on us to give them shoes.

Come on, but the poor kids! you're saying. Yes, they are poor. We need to help them out with that whole situation, not assuage our consciences by caring for one minuscule part of the problem. One of the biggest issues we faced working in Southern Africa was not just dependence like this, but expectation; rather than wanting to make their own stuff or initiate their own projects, they expected it would be done for them. And they were right; foreign aid is a huge industry and eventually, it'd be their turn to be given stuff.

This is why I sympathize with Tom's and Tom's owners, but I won't ever buy them, much less any of their knockoffs!

kyla

Seriously, Emma, I totally agree. From their 10-pound shape ups that look like platform tennis shoes to their TOMS imitating "Bobs," I am pretty repulsed by Sketchers. How do they appeal to anyone at all? Haha

janessadawn

Copycat factors aside, I'm frustrated that Payless is supporting a non-secular organization. I'm pretty sure TOMS' generosity doesn't come with ideological strings attached.

Taylor

I think you should shut the fuck up if they are helpng kids then let them you don't have to buy a pair and if you think that they aren't as good as TOMS the go buy a pair of TOMS and get off this website, because if you don't like them then why are you looking at them you selfish people you want all for yourself even though theree is needy kids somewhere in this world, i bet if it was your child you would be glad somebody is buyinig a pair of these shoes.

One Ring to Rule Them All

Hey Taylor, we respect your view, and we ask that you respect others as well. The level of vitriol in your comment completely unnecessary, as is your language.