TOMS’ One for One model seems to be an inoffensive initiative, if it goes unquestioned. Indeed, as the footwear help prevent soil-transmitted diseases, they also provide receivers access to schools that require shoes as part of their uniform. However, this buy-one-give-one program does more harm than good. Imagine this: what will the recipients do next when their brand new rubber-soled, canvas-topped shoes will no longer be wearable because of rugged conditions and heavy usage? Given TOMS average life span of roughly two years, how will those who got to appreciate a pair of shoes now live without them? The One for One movement has been highly criticized for not creating a long-term, sustainable solution. Once the helped ones will no more be able to afford shoes, they will be just as susceptible to economic and health problems paired with bare feet as they were before the donation. Even if BOGO companies have good intentions by sending charitable gifts from abroad, they are negligent of creating new issues, such as displacing local shoes producers and undermining local businesses, all to impose the Western-based mentality. By stimulating an unsustainable aid-based economy, TOMS’ donations work against the long-term goals of developing countries. The real problem is not shoelessness; it is poverty. Therefore, TOMS’ One for One model is treating a symptom, not the social problem.
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