Is TOMS a Little Bit of a Fraud?
TOMS.com
About three years ago, while working as a fashion and beauty editor and producer for Alloy, I got to meet TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie at his headquarters in Santa Monica. He took me on an incredible tour of the work space, and I could see how passionate he was for every single aspect of the company.
|If you want to see the video that came out of the tour, check it out here.|
Of course, I became an instant-supporter and bought the shoes for myself and my boyfriend. It’s been exciting to watch the business grow so quickly! We’ve all happily shelled out $44 (and more, and now $54) for comfy, cool-looking slip-ons that are doing good for the kids in the world who don’t have shoes. Glittered, foiled, canvas, printed, fleece-lined — they’re diverse, unique and totally fun. But ironically, the shoes that Blake made with tomorrow in mind barely last though a full day. Ok, that’s a bit dramatic. But seriously, have you noticed how fast they wear out?
At first, I blamed my boyfriend for walking too hard (really, Kimmy?). But then I started asking TOMS wearers as I saw them if the shoes wore out quickly. Many of the people I spoke to already had holes in them, or they were sporting their third or fourth pair. In my mental tally, I suspected that something was wrong with TOMS shoes. That gut instinct was confirmed a few weeks ago when I overheard a Nordstom salesperson telling a potential TOMS wearer: “They’re only built to last about four months.” Woah. Wait. WHAT? TOMS is selling the shoes for $54+ knowing that they’ll fall apart in a very short period of time? REALLY!?!
The South American alpargata style aren’t the most sturdy of shoes, but of course, they are cheap to make. TOMS is a for-profit company, so keeping production and material costs low is a benefit to their bottom line. I don’t fault them for that. But there are plenty of bottom line-obsessive shoe manufacturers who can make shoes that last longer than four months and still build in the cost of two pairs, make a profit, and pay for the costs associated with getting the shoes to those in need (which of course, are a write-off).
As much as I love Blake’s business model and helping kids out there are three very serious things wrong with this situation:
1. I actually feel awful that the kids who are getting the free shoes are getting such crappy quality shoes. They really need shoes that can stand up to dirt and mud and long walks. It’s like selling them false hope: “Hey, kid in [insert Third World country name]! Here’s some shoes! Some rich person in a First World country bought them for you, but we’re so cheap and still need to make a buck, that they won’t last you longer than 120 days. And since First World people are so wasteful, they just wear them for the 120 days and then throw them away to rot in landfills and buy more to help you. And the best part is? We’re getting really rich doing this.”
Doesn’t that seem wasteful? It gets worse.
2. There are so many costs (time, money, and ecologically speaking, materials) associated with getting the shoes on these poor kids feet that drive up the cost of the shoe… all for the shoes to disintegrate in a few months? And even if you argue that kids grow out of shoes quickly, wouldn’t it still be more economically, ecologically and socially responsible to build in the option of a hand-me-down to the cost of the shoe? Seriously! Isn’t that novel? The shoe that keeps on giving? It’s really hard to believe that a company could feel that creating what are essentially disposable shoes is either socially or environmentally responsible (and yet they create “eco-friendly” and “vegan” shoes as if they are doing some sort of good!).
3. TOMS is blatantly for profit. Great! But when you get to write off half-of the profit you make, it just doesn’t seem right to make a product that is, in my opinion, faulty! TOMS is making more than enough profit on two pairs of shoes to be able to increase the quality. Using some 2010 numbers from TOMS site and the “one for one” formula, the 1 million pairs donated to date equate to a minimum of $44 million in sales since the 2006 launch. But it only costs about $5 million to manufacture all of them. Obviously, there are other costs than manufacturing to run a business, but since there’s a direct correlation in the one for one model between profit and tax write-off, it just seems crazy for the company to profit so ridiculously on the concept of doing good when really, not that much good is done.
I know TOMS is branching out into other products (clothing and eyeglasses) and involving the youth of First World nations in solution-oriented giving — I’m so glad they are! All I’m saying is that if we’re going to spend money to be part of the solution, the solution should be effective. Right? Otherwise, wouldn’t our money be better spent in the hands of someone/organizations who aren’t about profit, but really are about the people? Consumers and the less fortunate?
You know, like ThisShirtHelps? Or Shabby Apple? Maybe Mala tote? And so many many more?
Do you think TOMS should make their shoes with better quality for us and the kids? And, are there some charitable companies out there that you adore and want to share? I want to hear about them! Tell me in the comments below!
55 Responses to “ Is TOMS a Little Bit of a Fraud? ”
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Couple that with the whole Focus on the Family partnership and, I’m SUPER disappointed with Toms.
I’m not sure about the quality of the shoes because I haven’t bought any for myself or the kids yet. It never seems to be a wise purchase because it is so wet in Seattle during most of the year. Still, they seem to be very popular shoes here. I suppose people wear them as “indoor” shoes or summer shoes??? Obviously, the kids that are receiving the shoes for free don’t have the luxury of “indoor” shoes or “summer shoes” if they don’t have shoes at all! I see your point, but I still admire the TOMS business model.
I wholeheartedly agree with the point you are making, but as a professional shoe buyer, I can say that that most shoes are only made to last about 6 months. Athletic shoes are built to break down at around 500 miles which on average is between 4-6 months depending on wear (I’ve seen down to 2!). Because these children are wearing them every day, 4 months is actually a pretty average time frame. But yes, I do agree they should use more durable material for the soles and uppers- canvas is just dumb. Your shoes should not be getting actual HOLES in them in 4 months.
Love your site!
I feel like Doc Martens should be sending these kids shoes. They probably would laste 10x longer..I’d be down to pay double for the boots.
I have bought 2 pairs of TOMS. First pair, I thought it was just me. I had a huge hole in the back of the shoe. Not on the seam. Just ripping began and I bought another pair. Same thing. I Started noticing other people wearing them and the same thing. I’m done. If i want to make a donation to acharity I will, it’s a waste to spend $54 on shoes that are falling apart after the 3rd wear. Ugh.
Shame on this jerk for selling such garbage and giving away such pieces of crap … Simply put these things Are junk ..!!!!!
Have you tried them? Have you found they wear out quickly?
I have had my Toms 2 weeks worn them this weekend and the sole has started to come away at the front. I am so dissapointed as they are so comfy. My husband told me to glue them but I’ve only had them 2 weeks that is not good enough!
I completely agree with you! These shoes should be much much more sturdy. I bought a pair for my two year old and in LESS than two months they have small holes in the front and the soles are becoming undone!! I thought the exact same thing as you, how could we donate these shoes to these kids if they live in horrible circumstances with little to no paved roads, they walk in dirt and gravel every single day. If my two year old who rides in a car and walks on concrete sidewalks went through them in less than two months what favor are we really doing for these kids?! I really think this needs to be brought to Blakes attention and if his intent is really to “help” then make shoes that can at least last a good 6 months, i can’t imagine with the millions he is making that he can not afford to do some research and make a better shoe! Great article!!! More need to see this and spread the word, so we can hopefully see some changes made.
I can’t tell you how happy I was to find this blog. I bought a pair of classics and within a week the heel of one of the shoes had a hole in it. After numerous attempts to reach someone at TOMS for an explanation, I received no response. Poor customer service is always going to top the most comfortable shoes. I just can’t bring myself to buy another pair, even if a child in need gets a pair. I’d rather send them a pair of shoes I know could withstand their conditions, instead of shoes I can’t wear for more than a month.
I had the same problem as Susie with the customer service. They charged $30 for 2nd day air shipping and they got in over two weeks later! I contacted customer service TWICE and heard nothing.
That’s a bummer that their customer service wasn’t so responsive and that they overcharged you so much for shipping. That could have been an honest mistake, but I hope they fixed it eventually!
My 15-year-old daughter has Toms shoes…..they wore out after a couple of weeks. I was appalled. They are not inexpensive! I agree with everything you say, Kimmy. Shame on the company that makes these shoes. The idea is good—-help others. But the product stinks. I will NEVER buy anything so cheap. The fact that so many people buy these shoes proves that marketing does indeed work. Again, shame on the company. It is using poor people who live in other countries to make a fast, huge buck.
I have purchased over 6 pairs of toms that have all fallen apart in a matter of 1.5 months. I always thought it was because I was walking wrong or putting too much pressure on my heels. There has got to be some way to prevent this from happening….besides not purchasing them of course.
toms are thieves ive been waiting over a month for a refund they dont even answer the phones or email rot in hell losers
*sigh* Say’s my fiancee’s 12 year old daughter–I want Toms shoes for my birthday.
I’ve done some research, look around, reselleratings dot com…here… Toms appears to be a unique take advantage of everyone and not deliver any quality.
The only place you hear good raves is, yes, you guessed it: on Tom’s website.
The world is such a dishonest place these days and as a last thought…why does Tom not have a “our donations are independently audited by…”
Neat looking crap for the sheeple who follow trends, well, they get what they deserve…shoes that fall apart and cost a fortune.
Such is life these days.
Sorry, but my Toms have lasted for over a year (and they look brand new). I have 3 pairs, and only one has a hole and thats because i used them to try to ollie on a skate board. I literally wear each of my Toms at least twice a week every week, and i’ve washed them by hand and in the washing machine. And I’m not the only one, my friends all have Toms and pretty much do the same thing I do, and theirs are just as fine as mine are. Just thought I’d let you know, that maybe it isn’t the shoe. I don’t mean to come off as rude though. xoxo -Liz
no need to be sorry! I’m glad you’ve had a great experience with them! I just think for the PRICE (half of which they get to write off), it’s really not great quality. Ollie away!! xoxo
Has anyone tried Paez from Argentina? They really are hand made outside Buenos Aires by locals in a small shop. Toms are made in China btw. I feel this is a better use of my shoe money – going directly to the local people.
Love this story Kimmy – just wish I read it sooner!
Thank you!
Never bought a pair but wanted to know more about them, it seemed to me that their one-for-one model can’t be true and it most likely isn’t. Their website doesn’t disclose any concrete figures or stats which is a red flag. As far as the qualitty goes I’m wondering where people are actually buying them. There are many fakes that are made and if I were to purchase a pair, it’d probably be directly from their site. I’d like to hear from someone who bought it directly from the site or a Tom’s retailer and experienced the shoes falling apart.
I’m certainly talking about TOMS shoes, not the knock off’s. Thank you for commenting and sharing your thoughts!
Not sure if this was mentioned yet, but people are actually paying Toms double profit because of the cost of the second shoe. You’re not paying for that second shoe the poor kid gets at cost, you’re paying at cost plus profit. Paying double for a shoe doesn’t mean you buy two shoes, it means you buy two shoes at cost plus the profit for BOTH.
Not necessarily fraudulent but it is kind of underhanded, and most Americans don’t have an inkling of basic economic activity to notice it.
Ok people, I just purchased a $65 dollar pair of Toms Glitter shoes for my 13 year old daughter. She loves them, but after 10 days, YES 10 DAYS there are already 2 holes in the bottom of the shoe. Her $8 canvas shoes from Wally world looks better and more durable then these $65 waste of money. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in charity and I’m OK with the high cost of these shoes if it’s in order to give a needy child a pair. What I’m NOT ok with is buying a pair of overpriced FAULTY shoes!! I was expecting these crappy shoes to hold up for 1 year, not TEN days!!!!! I told my kid, NEVER again. I know youngsters are into brands and all, but this is rediculous. When you pay extra for a brand product you expect some sort of quality for the price you pay. For $65 I expected shoes to last the better part of a year, not forever of course, just 1 year. I have a TEN YEAR old pair of fashion bug shoes that have held up like new. I think I paid $10 for them back in 01 or 02. Charity or no charity, my daughters feet come FIRST as a mother and these shoes should be holding up more than 10 days. I might be returing them to the mall I’m so mad. Holes in the soles, UNEXCEPTABLE!!!!!
Hi Everyone,
I’m so glad that I’m not the only out there that is frustrated with this company. In the Spring I purchased a pair for my daughter on the condition that she wears them gently and not in the rain. Two weeks later they started to come apart at the seams. Fortunatly the shoe store that I purchased them from sent them to a shoe repair shop who deemed it a manufacturer defect and I received a refund.
So about a month ago when I saw the leather flats I didn’t expect the same sort of issue. I bought them for $100 and a month later the heels have split. Right where it isn’t leather but canvas! When I took them to the shop where I purchased them from, they told me it was from general wear and tear but would send them to TOMS anyways to if the warranty would cover it. They did however stress that it was likely from normal use and basically my fault!
I done with TOMS and would discourage anybody from purchasing them. Especially if they are so poorly made. What would a poor child in a third world country do with a pair that runs out after such a short time. It’s like adding salt to a wound.
I’ve tried out the TOMS brand two times: one pair of canvas shoes and one pair of burlap shoes (which I was told by the salesperson would last longer). Both pairs developed holes within a few months – the burlap pair within 3.5 months – and the soles wore out incredibly quickly. For the cost they are selling theses shoes at, you would expect a better product. A business that makes shoes that you have to toss out after less than half a year is not the kind of business I want to support – I won’t be buying TOMS again, charitable initiatives or not.
I agree. While the shoes that are sold in the US have proven to not be very durable, I know that the shoes they give away have twice the thickness of the regular sole. Which gives TOMS some integrity for thinking through the process to some degree. However I had also herd that they won’t donate a pair of shoes unless you register your shoes, which I haven’t heard of nearly anyone doing. I haven’t bought a pair yet because of the high price and low durability (but would love to participate generously when I’m capable). Has anyone else heard of the registering part?
I have a pair of alpargatas, the concept originator, from Argentina. They’re really a disposable shoe made from simple and inexpensive products, sold cheaply, worn through. No fuss, no media outreach, story telling, $$$, nada. I’d be damned to buy a pair of Tom’s for $40+ and I agree with the sentiments that their program is mismanaged, sound bites at best.
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/d3pl3t3d/alpargatas/
These lasted through DAILY wear for 6 months in Sudamerica. The fit is funky, you stretch into the shoe, classically, but the overlap of my right toes destroyed the seam and the twine and canvas opened up terminally. I still wear them with a forlorn longing. Unfortunately, I bought the one pair not knowing if I’d want a second, and now would love another. Outside of Argentina, the shipping costs and up-charges would fail their design purpose.
hi mike! i think you totally touch on the point i’m trying to make which is that the model is exploitative to all parties involved.
Hi Lindsay! Thanks for your comment! I’m not sure about the registration, but I also wasn’t aware about the “twice the thickness.” I still think the alpergas style needs to be reworked for better quality.
I bought a pair and while they are wearing ok, I discovered that they are IDENTICAL to a pair of shoes I bought in Athens a year ago for 11 euros. They had a different company label in them but other than that they are the same shoe. So not only are they not originally manufactured for Toms they are way, way overpriced. Just send a check to charity rather than continue to dupe the public like this. And, yes, I agree, kids need sturdier shoes than these.
Firstly, I’ve had my TOMS for a year and – excluding snowy days – I’ve worn them at least 3/4 times a week all year. If you *take care* of them, they’ll last years. (I just recently had to move on from my first pair, which I bought six years ago.)
Additionally, I’ve read in multiple places that the shoes TOMS gives to kids in Argentina actually aren’t be same as the ones they sell to us. The ones they give away are more like the traditional Argentinian “alpargata” shoes, which Argentinians have been wearing for generations. They’re time tested and exactly what these kids need.
Please do your research before bashing a company that most certainly isn’t a “fraud”.
I have been waiting so LONG to here someone think the same thing as me about TOMS ! In my first pair of black TOMS I noticed they were worn out way too quick. I thought that maybe I just wore them to much. I now have a new glitery pair, and let me tell you the gliter comes off on evey step! (ok, maybe not really everystep) but I think the gliter shoud have been waxed/glazed on top so they wont come off so quicly! Also the bottom of the shoe is very weak. They should be a stronger material to walk in knowing that I paid $54 ! Thank you so much for this blog ! If I could tell TOMS company to make TOMS better quality, I WOULD . or if they dont want to make it better quality they should atleast make TOMS cheaper so it can be worth paying for. No more TOMS FOR ME. thank you so much for this blog. The creater of TOMS should see this and do something about it.
Why do you waste your time criticizing an amazing idea. Maybe because you did not think of it first?
It’s a cute shoe. Would you think it’s reasonable to pay $25 dollars for a pair of shoes that would last 4 months? Probably. They’d wear out and you’d think to yourself, “Oh well, they were only 25 bucks”.
Well then, buy two pairs because they are so darn cute and comfortable but instead of keeping them both, you are giving a pair to someone who has no shoes. Why can you not leave it at that? So they don’t last for life, no. But maybe within that span of 4 months, a child manages to avoid a life threatening or tragic debilitation because of one pair of shoes, be them flimsy or not.
If you have $54 extra dollars to spend on shoes, consider yourself blessed in my opinion.
Also, I work on my feet 40+ hours a week, slinging coffee no less, in a busy bustling coffeehouse. I have gone through two pairs of TOMS in the last year and they have served me well. I even had a beautiful vegan pair with brightly colored flowers that I threw in the washer 4 times, swam in a swimming hole while wearing them and wore them everyday at work and outside of work every day in the summertime and Zi still have them and look forward to slipping them on next summer, too.
I’m glad you love your shoes! I’m glad you feel great in them! I’m glad Blake could be successful. I have a problem with the business model, not the idea of helping others. Please read the post a little more closely to get my point.
I was just forwarded this article by a friend asking if people have had issues with their TOMS, and the answer was yes. I said I felt badly for the people in 3rd wot prod countries who likely wear out their shoes faster than me. Anyway, great post, I agree wholeheartedly and said so in my email to get a replacement per the warrantty, which is one year. I am at 11 months with these.
Thank you for your comment, I’m glad to hear you could relate! I must say that 11 months is a decent amount of time, I was really mostly concerned that some shoe styles were really only getting 3 or 4 months of wear! And to hear a respected retailer like Nordstrom to sell them with the disclaimer that they are not made to last was just infuriating. Regardless, quality is appreciated, especially for the cost of the shoe and the profits TOMS is keeping.
I’m trying to salvage a pair of toms now, with a patch. Apparently you have to prepatch before you wear them to avoid them disintegrating earlier. Perhaps I should make a Toms Etsy patching site and make a ton of $$. I don’t want to see my toms in a landfill, though that is where they belong. So expensive, I have running shoes 3 years old with hundreds of miles on them in better shape and with less holes. All I do is walk in my toms but apparently that is all it takes. There really should be a class action lawsuit. There should also be an option of taking your second pair instead of donating since you will of course need it
I have a heal spur and use to limp all of the time. I purchased a pair of Toms canvas flats and found that the arch in them, helped my foot pain. I no longer limp as long as I wear the toms. I have the same problem everyone else is experiencing. I really hope they keep making the shoes but make a better quality of them. I think the best part about them is the insole, too bad I can’t just put the sole in another pair of shoes or can I ?
That’s amazing to hear, Nina! Wow! Have you tried OTZ shoes? I’m obsessed with them – they are cool orthotics and feel amazing and are so durable, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and will never ever stink (like TOMS do). Oh yes, and very sturdy. Take a peek and let me know what you think: http://www.otzshoes.com
As a student of economics, another problem that I’ve developed with this shoe–coupled with the points neatly addressed in the article– is that flooding a 3rd world developing market with factory made shoes infringes upon one of the easier startup ventures that someone in a low skill/resource economy can undertake. Speaking economically, giving a few people shoes doesn’t help them out. Perhaps if Tom’s mission was more oriented around teaching low resource/cost/skilled methods for making shoes to potential entrepreneurs in these economies, then he might actually achieve his stated goals, instead of just looking like he’s working towards something.
I have TOMS and BOBS. I’ve yet to wear my TOMS because they’re for an upcoming wedding that I’m a bridesmaid in and are white, so I don’t want them getting dirty beforehand, however I wear my BOBS all the time….pretty much 24/7/365. They are just plain black canvas, and I have had them a year. I just recently had my pinky toe poke through. I am very rough on my shoes (i.e., rain, work, working out, church, school etc.). I think they’ve held up exceptionally well especially since I am so rough on them. I am now excited to say that I am going to be able to personalize them by patching them, something I NEVER dreamt of doing while they were in good condition. I also have friends who have TOMS and wear them 24/7/365, and their shoes are still in good condition. No complaints here about TOMS or BOBS, and I look forward to buying more pairs in the future.
I’ve owned my first pair of classic black canvas TOMS for about two months so far and I haven’t had anything like tear or rip yet. Just from walking so much ’cause I’m in high school and walk to and from home, the areas where my heel and toes are the sole wears a bit down, but other than that the pair is perfectly fine.
I have 2 pair of TOMS and LOVE them. I have had wool fleece lined ones for 6 months and they are perfect. Wore them all winter. They keep your feet so warm. My daughter has had a pair for 3 years. They do NOT have holes they still look great. Only problem is they stink. From wearing without socks and she has sweaty feet.
Everyone has their own experiences but this wearer is more than happy with her TOMS!!!!
thank you for sharing your experience! I’m happy to see that a year after posting this, it does seem quality standards have gone up quite a bit. Good for TOMS.
I absolutely love my TOMS. I used to think they were hideous but after trying them on, I was sold. However, after a few months, my toes started poking out! I thought it was my toe nails or something but I’m not the only one with this problem it seems. There are certainly enough DIY tutorials on how to patch up the holes online to signify that this isn’t an isolated problem.
My second pair was worse than the first. The lining on the sole would come off the foot pad so it did this weird bubbling. It was also smellier than the first. Quality control issues? I don’t know.
I used to love these canvas shoes I had as a child and they’d never do this. I think it has to do with their materials, they just need a thicker canvas.
I’ve only owned one pair of Toms. I really do like them, but I’m annoyed at the fact I spent so much on shoes that now have holes forming where my big toes are. Likely they’ll only last me another few weeks before my left big toe pops out of the shoe entirely. I bought them last August and wore them nearly every day until November, and have only been wearing them this year for about two weeks.
Why I didn’t think about it before I bought it, I have no idea, but a coworker wore a few different Toms and her little pinky toe always popped out of a hole. I never asked her about it, figuring that holes happen and you love the shoe enough that you’ll wear it for a bit longer before replacing it… But now I realize that it’s just crap quality and bound to wear down quickly. Sigh.
You guys know that toms will replace any damaged shoes for free right? My first pair got a hole in the toe and they sent me a brand new pair in any color I wanted, without having to pay for s&h. Just email them and ask–you have to send a picture of the damages though
I bought my first pair of tom’s this past week on wednesday and it is now saturday and they are already starting to tear. i LOVE how comfortable they are but…i’m not happy about the tearing…they are brand new shoes.
I have done my own research, and I’m pretty sure they also give shoes with a sturdy sole to children in need based on their environment. I wear mine all the time and mine have lasted more than four months.
Hello!
Not to be rude or anything but I honestly do not know what you guys are talking about. I got my wool Toms about 5 months ago, and I walk in them almost every day and they haven’t fallen apart or anything. They are in perfect condition and there’s not a hole or anything close to a hole anywhere on the shoe. I completely disagree with this post and I would like to recommend the wool ones because like I said that are in perfect condition after four months and they’re really comfortable to walk in and easy to wash. I’m extremely satisfied with the Toms company and their shoes.
I only heard of Toms Shoes through excessive spamming on Pinterest and Facebook, and quite honestly that was enough to put me off. They’ve created fake profiles and just gone around every “board” and “group” on they can find, posting hundreds of pictures with stupid comments like “Great TOMS shoes you have there! I wish I could have some great TOMS shoes”. This was enough to put me off the hsoe in the first place, but now hearing what crap quality they are too… Disgusting.
Blah blah blah. I don’t see other shoe companies offering the same charitable service. Btw, how does one predict the longevity of a shoe when there are so many factors to consider? If I wear any kind of flat shoe for four months straight, no matter the weather, the shoe would fall apart. Like most people, I have more than two pairs of shoes. Not going to fall apart after four months I’m sure.
Hey! I have a pair of Toms for my own, i can really agree with this article. I bought a pair of Toms four months ago, they’re ripping and feeling very flimsy. I paid 45$ for mines, i was so desperate to get my hands on a pair everyone had. I asked my mom for a pair for my birthday, she said no… i got really mad. i finally had enough money for a pair, so i went and bought it. Seriously, Blake is doing a good thing ( giving shoes etc ) but these shoes don’t last as long as I expected, and they’re 45$ and up! i dont think i will be buying a pair every again, it was a real dissapointment. i was so happy when i got them, but now they’re ripping and fraying apart. Such a investment on shoes that dont last!
Jennifer 12yearold 7grader.