TOMS Shoes is an American footwear company that is based in Santa Monica, California, which also operates a non-profit subsidiary, Friends of TOMS. The company was founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, a business owner from Arlington, Texas. The company designs and sells lightweight shoes based on the Argentine alpargata design. For every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for sup

Founder Blake Mycoskie (whom TV viewers might recognize from The Amazing Race) attended high school at James Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. He was a member of the varsity tennis team. In college, he started a laundry service for college students. He later dropped out of Southern Methodist University and developed the concept for a shoe company while vacationing in Argentina in January 2006. Blake has said" I was sitting on a farm pondering life, and it occurred to me, 'I'm going to start a shoe company, and for every pair that we sell, I'll give a pair to someone who needs them'" Mycoskie took to wearing the local alpargata shoes. Alpargata shoes have ...

Founded: 2006

Headquarters: Santa Monica, CA

Industry: Footwear , Fashion, Retail Fashion, Charity