I’m sure many readers are familiar with those comfy, canvas slip-ons that come in every color, pattern and texture under the sun. Yes, those slipper-ish accessories would be TOMS. TOMS’ “One for One” campaign, in which one pair of shoes is given away to a child in need for every one pair that is purchased, is the fundamental basis for the for-profit’s existence. However, slightly less unheard of is TOMS’ “One Day Without Shoes” awareness campaign. This daylong event translates quite literally: the goal is to spend one day without wearing shoes to experience what it is like for countless children in developing countries who must walk barefoot for miles to school, clean water and medical help.
One day out of the year is designated by TOMS as a worldwide day without shoes. According to the campaign’s website, over 1,000 events in 25 countries were held worldwide! Naturally, I wanted to be a part of a global campaign and to say, “ I did it!”, but even more so it was simple curiosity that got the best of me.
I wonder what it ACTUALLY is like to go one full day without shoes. Will I be able to do it? Will people think I’m a tree-hugging hippy? Will businesses let me through their doors? How will I study and eat?!
Only one way to find out these answers.
The chosen “day” for 2011 was April 5. For most inhabitants of this plant, April 5 should be a fine, spring day. But for us Madisonians, we know all too well the perils of a dragging winter (case in point, the last snowfall was April 1) are always a possibility. Naturally, I was devastated that I could not partake in this campaign with the other participants. (Well, I could easily have at the expense of frostbitten toes…but I passed up that offer). So, I decided to have my own “one day without shoes” when I saw the weather fitting enough. I wanted to wait until I returned to campus in the fall when the pavement would be warm, I would be faced the social glances of peers and be required to walk outside of the comfort of my home to attend classes and meetings.
Carefully mapping this day out – I was resolute not to give in to shoes! – I chose a Sunday for two reasons: I wasn’t sure of the policies of professors – no shoes, no learning? – nor did I want to gross out the kid sitting next to me in lecture.
So it’s Sunday morning and off I go! I’m strolling down Langdon (barefoot) with my backpack. I was feeling good, confident that I could pull this challenge off and hopefully build a lil’ character.
First stop: Memorial Union. I’ll just say, I was nervous to walk into a building without shoes. I mean, we’re all familiar with No Shoes, No Shirt, No Servicesigns. Would I be kicked out? I scurried my way up to the second floor library, dodging glances from passer byes. Settling into my seat to study, I thought “Okay Alex, this isn’t too bad…minus the few quizzical looks directed at my feet, I had no problem going barefoot! Eh, this is even kind of fun!”
Second stop: Grainger. I now had a meeting for a group project. I knew whatever looks I had received in the Union and walking down Park Street were bound to triple when I walked through Grainger. I would be passing my peers, friends I knew and good looking business men. When I strolled up to my group (three dudes) they cast one look down at my feet, made a face that was half confusion and half disgust, and asked, “Why aren’t you wearing shoes?” Ah ha! The first people to ask and my first chance to answer! I explained the “One Day Without Shoes” campaign and being the guys that guys are, they didn’t get it. Nonetheless, I still felt proud that I had spread awareness and shared the message of the campaign to at least ONE badger.
Third (and final) stop: Home. It was 6 p.m. and I did it! I had gone one day without shoes. It was by far one of my most gratifying and uplifting days at UW-Madison thus far. I felt proud that I had stuck to the challenge. I felt grateful that I have the given option to wear shoes. I felt united because I participated in a global campaign. And I felt empathetic towards the millions of people who walk barefoot each and every day.
And I think that was the intended goal of the campaign: to have you feel emotion and to think the next time you go to slip sneakers onto your feet, “I am lucky to own a pair of shoes. I can only imagine what it would be like to go one day without shoes.”
For more information regarding the “One Day Without Shoes” campaign, visit www.onedaywithoutshoes.com