People against TOMS

Blog of Blake Harris states this idea:

http://theblogofblakeharris.blogspot.com/2009/12/case-against-toms-shoes.html

TOMS shoes is giving something to these poor countries but I don't think at the top of the list of things they want is some tacky footwear. Most of these people are more concerned about water, food, basic medication, and education. If TOMS shoes would like to do something truly charitable they can simply contribute a monetary donation (equivalent to the cost of shoes they are giving away) and allow the people to choose for themselves what they want.
If footwear is what they need then I don't think TOMS shoes is really the answer. The cost of material that goes into making 1 pair of TOMS shoes could probably be used to purchase a dozen less expensive shoes that Blake Mycoskie could be given away.

http://www.theworld.org/2012/03/toms-shoes-does-buy-one-give-one-work/

Global Perspectives for an American Audience investigated TOMS.

http://www.brentunderwood.com/?p=368

"So, in reality, why didn’t you just buy a decent pair of shoes for $50 and donate $10 directly to more important issues than shoes. Maybe clean water, a mosquito net? Or, if you are really passionate about the foot fungus Toms claims to be out to beat, what about sanitation?"

"Instead of applying a weak band-aid of cheap shoes that wear out in a few months, why not go to the source and donate to causes which build latrines that will combat the disease for years. You would have a much better pair of shoes, and upped your donation 5X, to a cause which will have a bigger, longer-lasting impact. As Charlie would say “bi-winning”.

Wanna know why Toms wearers didn’t do that? Because that wouldn’t provide the badge of honor they want to wear around to prove they are ‘socially conscious’ to their other hipster friends, which says something in itself about the people who want to wear such a shoe."