Thinking On My Feet! /Touring with my TOMS

Where haven't they been? From lush greens of Vermont to City College bathrooms, to the burgundy carpet of my church. These shoes are so comfortable and so I decided after receiving them that I would wear them everywhere. Now they are worn and I was too embarrassed to bring them with me to Chicago. Not to mention my mom almost threw them away, even though I've only had them for a little over a year.  SO why am I blogging about my old faded TOMS?

1. Because I(actually a friend) bought them (for me) in men's size. I've been walking around in the feet of men. Should I have felt more powerful or more accomplished because I could fit into a size 9 men but not a size 10 women? or should I have chosen the red size 10 women despite the discomfort of my two left feet? I'm not over thinking here. I'm just reorganizing my thoughts and assessing them with those of my patriarchal society.

2. Because they are expensive(for a college student who doesn't work--circumstances may vary), but comfortable but then they " give a pair of shoes to a child in need." $44 for a pair of comfortable shoes is definitely worth it. But is it expensive because another child receives a pair or simply because of the capitalist nature of our society? Also, who qualifies as a child in need? Do homeless American children in need receive a pair as well? Do special communities/ethnicities/races of children receive a pair? How does this distribution work?

3.Because they are called TOMS! TOMS is a short form for Tomorrow to fit on the label according to the owner. But where does the s come from?(Granted it would have still been masculine without the s, hence the s makes it plural-many more Toms) And now I'm reminded every time I wear these shoes about a man, not an industrious women, not an innovative women who wants to save children in need. I'm definitely, not reminded about Tomorrow. This shadow of patriarchy!!!

Now, I'm not discouraging the sales or purchasing of TOMS or asking that the founder change the name of his brand. He is entitled to chose whatever name he wants. I'm just thinking through some ideas here. If you can afford these shoes, it might be profitable to buy them. But always think about what you wear. And if you already have a pair or decide to buy a pair of TOMS,  don't put it through two much stress like I did.

And where are these shoes made again?

Here's a link to the website if you want to learn more about these shoes :
http://www.toms.com/corporate-responsibility/l
Below are some picture of my TOMS.