Did Skechers just get Single White Female on TOMS Shoes? The same company that foisted shape-up sneakers on us has a new line of kicks, dubbed “BOBS,” which are the spitting image of our favorite altruistic slip-ons. Although TOMS’ signature shoe is based on the traditional Argentinean “alpargata,” and thus isn’t unique to the do-gooding company, BOBS will also donate a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you buy, which is pretty much a copy-and-paste job of TOMS’ philosophy. While we think it’s wonderful that Skechers wants to venture into socially responsible products, we wish it took the time to create something that wasn’t so blatantly derivative, right down to the three-letter man’s first name. What do you think?
[Via Refinery29]
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TOMS is actually an acronym somehow standing for Tomorrow’s Shoes not someone’s name. The founder of TOMS is Blake Mykoskie.
no one’s inventing the wheel anymore. everyone has ideas; some are the same, some were acquired from others. they don’t look the same to me, and i doubt they are the same quality but if they are, may the best shoe win.
I think it’s a rather obvious, and intentional ripoff, so blatant that it’s ironic and probably tongue in cheek. I mean calling them BOBS is a bit too obvious. It’s a joke. Now whether that’s legal or not may be an issue…
TOMS is more than happy to lead by example on how to do socially responsible giving. If you need help, just ask them! Now if Sketchers truly wanted to enter into philanthropy, they could’ve put 10 minutes worth of thought into their giving model. Unfortunately, the shoes that Sketchers donates are flimsy flip-flops that last 3 weeks tops. End result? Littering the countryside rather than helping kids.
TOMS, on the other hand, designs shoe based on the specific geographic and social needs of the kids. Plus, they’re built to last! If there’s anything you want to copy, it should be their giving model. It’s published online. Nothing to hide.
Lets face it. America is in the biggest economic crisis since the great depression. I personally don’t care if Skechers ripped off TOMS or not. The fact is that they are giving back to people in need. That’s really all that matters. And their shoes aren’t 54 dollars a pair plus ridiculous shipping costs (if ordering from the TOMS website)
Ok so im 15 years old it probally doesn’t matter to you what i say but to be honest when i found out that sketchers made the bobs it really botherd me at first but then also knowing how young i am style is style and they are also cheaper so what the heck these shoes have lasted me a long time and i have had no problems with them they look exactly like my friends Toms too i mean the only diff. is the side sayings toms and bobs big deal.. but the point i got them for $54 and a whole nother pair for only $1 thats a great deal!!! i love them and will never regret buying them i haven’t been made fun of or anything either because they are a off brand shoe but i’ve kinda made a trend and shown people a great deal than paying 60 dollars!!
My Jaw dropped when I first saw Bobs. But again, skechers is know as the copy whore in the shoe industry. They have never had an original idea in their existence. Recent copies are Fit flops, MBT, and Bobs to name a few. Skechers is a marketing company that illegally profits by using other people’s idea’s and branding concepts. I hope they get sued into oblivion.
Like most people, I don’t like that Sketcher’s ripped off the design of Toms. The philanthropy part doesn’t bother, since it is through Soles for Souls, which have been around long before Toms. But the styles and designs are a ripoff. And it is a shame this company is trying to compete with another that makes shoes with a mission.
I never ever plan on buying a pair of bobs, I have been buying TOMS since 2009 and to see a company make the same product but under a diffrent name is just sad skechers could have at least taken the time to design a shoe that makes it their own.
Are Bobs Shoes Fair Trade?
This is SO funny, my 10yr old daughter and I were in Sketchers Outlet the other day and I saw these and immediately knew they were a rip off of Toms style shoes, when I mentioned that to my daughter, she said, “Oh, like they ripped off the Vans style shoes you gave me?”. ( I had just lent her an old pair of my Sketchers she liked w/a day of the dead fabric & Vans slip on look) So, even a 10 YR OLD KID CAN SEE WHEN CLOTHES ARE BEING COPIED…..
Total Ripoff! Like many people stated, they could have taken the time to develop a more authentic shoe. Is it illegal-no? But that’s how America has been doing business for decades—-if you can make a dollar, it’s ok. Don’t waste time in trying to develop good, solid, UNIQUE, reputable products and services.
ALPARGATAS RUEDA EST.1885 ARGENTINA
ALPARGATAS IBERIA EST.1888 CHILE
ALPARGATAS GALA EST.1900 CHILE
TOMS EST.2006 U.S.A
ALPARGATAS PAEZ EST.2007 ARGENTINA
BOBS EST.2010 U.S.A
I think it’s nice the shoes go to a child in need or whatever it is, but really? is that legal? they could’ve at least made the name a little more unique.