April 8: A day without shoes

Apr 5th, 2010 12:57 PM UTC
By Chris Scott

Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes, has taken to the pages of the Huffington Post today to advocate that everyone go barefoot this Thursday, April 8th.

He explains why:

On April 8, we’re asking everyone to go barefoot for One Day Without Shoes. But why would a shoe company ask people around the world not to wear shoes?

I think sometimes we forget what we have, and occasionally it’s important to remind ourselves. Most people don’t even realize how many children in developing countries grow up barefoot and all the risks, infections and diseases they endure. For most of us, modern shoes our so comfortable and accessible, we all but forget about our feet, but they are a source of constant focus for others. I wanted everyone to personally understand the impact of shoes, and the difference they can make, so we thought, “Why don’t we get a taste of what these kids go through every day?”

The great thing about an event like One Day Without Shoes is that it’s so easy to participate. We’ve had some supporters go barefoot for 20 minutes and others have gone barefoot for months! We have people participating in our neighborhood and we have people participating in Qatar, Jerusalem, Australia, and all around the world. Kristen Bell, Matisyahu, Morgan Spurlock, and Heather Graham are participating… so are my parents, Kindergarten teachers, 750+ college campuses, lawyers, and senators.

They’ve also produced this clever video for the event:

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