With every pair purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

In an effort to bring attention to the impact a simple pair of shoes can have in a child’s life, TOMS Shoes announces its third annual One Day Without Shoes campaign and encourages everyone worldwide to go barefoot on April 8th. Barefoot events around the world from Venice to Little Rock, Dubai to London have already been planned, with more in the works.

On April 8th communities and individuals will be spreading awareness about the importance of shoes in parts of the world where children’s feet are exposed to debilitating diseases. So many of the world’s children in developing countries grow up without shoes, having to walk miles to get food and water, medical help, and attend school (which often require shoes as uniform). A leading cause of disease in these areas is soil-based parasites.

There is one simple solution…SHOES.

TOMS Shoes will be reaching out to communities around the world asking them to host barefoot walks and/or events on April 8th and give individuals the opportunity to learn more about the importance of shoes in parts of the world where children’s feet are exposed to debilitating diseases. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions.

Blake Mycoskie, TOMS Shoes’ founder and Chief Shoe Giver, says, “A shoe company asking people to go barefoot? I know it’s odd, but we are so excited for people to once again join us in One Day Without Shoes. We ask people to go the day, part of the day, or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience what millions of children endure every day. Awareness and empathy are the catalysts of change.”

The problem is large but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. Join TOMS Shoes on April 8th and walk barefoot to support One Day Without Shoes.

For more information visit: One Day Without Shoes