Amarillo College Ranger

Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Debut

Media Credit: www.tomsshoes.com TOMS Shoes, founded by Blake Mycoskie, center, donates one pair of shoes to children in need for every pair purchased. According to tomsshoes.com, the design was inspired by a lightweight Argentinean shoe. Its main objective is "to make life more comfortable."

"Changing a life begins with a single step." At least that's what Blake Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS Shoes for Tomorrow, lives by.

TOMS Shoes is a shoe company in its own category. For every pair that's purchased, another pair is given to a child in need. Since the company began in May of 2006, TOMS Shoes has given away 10,000 pairs of shoes to barefoot children in Argentina and 50,000 pairs to children in South Africa. With the continued support from consumers with sole from all over the United States and the world, that number will continue to grow.

Because of a Style Your Sole Party in April hosted by North, the college and young adult ministry at Trinity Fellowship Church, students and recent graduates all over Amarillo and Canyon became aware of TOMS Shoes.

"Not only are TOMS Shoes THE shoes for the modern-day hipster, it benefits those in need, too," said Nate Pfeil, a producer of the Kingdom Keys network and a North Ministries volunteer.

TOMS Shoes are available with sophisticated neutral colors or funky bright colors. With polka dots, Mark Twain quotes, glitter, and plaid, the prices range from $45 to $48 depending on what materials are used.

Original TOMS are made from swing canvas material with a leather insole. But recent additions to the collection include suede TOMS, corduroy TOMS and even new $118 wrap-around boots.

Other special features include guest artists as shoe designers. Tyler Ramsey, a painter from North Carolina, splashes paint in his unique fashion across canvas TOMS, while graphic design artist Gabriel Lacktma, from California, creates multicolored abstract designs fon TOMS Shoes. The artists' contributions to the look of the shoes also demonstrate their support for the cause.

"I love this company because someone who has never had a new pair of shoes before will get some when I buy mine," Blake Robinson, a photography major from Sam Houston State University, said. "They are just so dang cute, too."

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