One Day Without Shoes is an event sponsored by TOMS Shoes. Participants pledge to go one day, part of the day, or even a few minutes without wearing shoes in order to raise awareness of those around the globe who grow up and live without shoes. The purpose of this event is to show the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life and to experience first-hand what life would be like without them. Most people in the United States take footwear for granted and One Day Without Shoes provides an eye-opening experience for both those participating and those who witness their peers walking without shoes.
A simple pair of shoes can promote basic hygiene by preventing diseases and infections that come about due to unsanitary conditions. The goal of the TOMS company is to provide one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes that is purchased. Their motto is “one for one.” One Day Without Shoes specifically seeks to raise awareness about podoconiosis, a disease caused by walking barefoot. The company hopes this experience will inspire more people to purchase TOMS shoes and, in return, become a benefactor to a child in another country.
Video courtesy of TOMS.
