Philanthropy and style: TOMS to launch ballet flats

News that TOMS are launching a stylish new range of ballet flats this spring will delight female fans of the ethical fashion brand. Founder Blake Mycoskie has announced that the new range will be available from March.

TOMS is not just a fashion label – philanthropy is embedded deep in the brand’s ethos. Mycoskie founded TOMS in May 2006, after he returned from travelling in Argentina. While there, he witnessed areas with alarming levels of child poverty, where children rarely had shoes to protect their feet. He decided to do something about this issue and created the ‘one for one’ concept – for every pair of shoes sold, the company donates another to a child in need.

Despite lacking the obvious look of high fashion, the rubber and canvas shoes that TOMS are known for have become the latest trend amongst fashionistas. The popularity of the brand is due largely to its charitable efforts, as well as its numerous celebrity endorsements – fans of the brand include Demi Moore, Jessica Biel and Keira Knightley.

The concept is a laudable one and, yes, our classic TOMS are amazingly comfy and do good to boot, but now TOMS are giving us even more reasons to buy their shoes. Created in response to demand for a trendier style of shoe, their chic new ballet flats will come in burlap, suede and linen. Perfect for springtime, the Paris ballet flats are chic and cute and come in an array of colours and designs, from the classic TOMS style to a funky leopard print. And don’t worry, they are just as comfortable as the original, featuring the signature TOMS cushioned sole.

These latest offerings are sure to be seen on the feet of TOMS lovers everywhere as soon as they hit stores in March. Purchase comfortable, trendy footwear and help the less fortunate – two birds with one pair of shoes, so to speak.

Khaleda Rahman