There are some fashion traditions that just aren't comfortable (i.e. corsets), but one classic Argentinian-style shoe is helping to reshape the future for thousands of kids. With all the press out there on Toms Shoes, I'm pretty sure you have heard of them before. If not, here's the gist: buy a pair of affordable, comfortable Toms Shoes and a child in South America no only gets a free pair of shoes in their size, they are put directly on their feet during the company's annual Shoe Drop. October 2006 was Toms first Shoe Drop, where they gave away over 10,000 pairs of shoes to those who desperately need them. The only way I can describe the video of this stunningly generous trip is breathtaking - the joy of giving has never been so beautiful and heartfelt. The personal touch is just one of the many reasons that the brand has been selling like hotcakes, both in the company's online store and in retail stores.

Just two weeks ago, company founder Blake Mycoskie began a United States Tour of in-store and speaking events. Called the "top new video blog of the week" by TV Guide, the trip is being recorded both on video and via a company blog. A full tour calendar is available in PDF format on the blog site as well (I've already added the San Francisco date to my calendar). So far, the tour seems to have been quite eventful, from stinky toilets and no hot water to meeting Mischa Barton.

But what about the shoes? Men's and women's Toms are available in nearly 20 different colors and prints at only $38 a pair. In the next few months, Tiny Toms will be available in the company's online store as well - the perfect shoe for those beginning to walk for the first time. Limited edition Toms, hand painted by artist Tyler Ramsey sell for $68. In the first tour video, other limited edition Toms are mentioned, such as upcoming velvet styles for the holidays. Unfortunately, there is no mention of the shoes being made from sustainable fibers or vegetable/non-toxic dyes. As a brand struggling to get off the ground in its second year, it is understandable that the social and charitable parts of the company are highlighted. Even with this, my fingers are crossed that Toms becomes more than just a giving brand and something of a diverse, green business model for many to aspire to.

Having tried the shoes on myself, I can safely say that "comfortable" really doesn't do Toms justice. Meant to be worn without socks, the shoes are based on the Argentinian alpargatas shoe style, which is now over 100 years old. Personally, I see them as the ultimate casual shoe - a seamless blend of tennis shoes and house slippers. As a fan of classic Converse (especially the ones made from hemp), I think they will have to make room for a few pairs of Toms in the near future.