Podoconiosis is a disease that preys upon those who walk barefoot in silica-rich soil, resulting in Elephantiasis, which creates debilitating swelling in the legs. While Podoconiosis is entirely preventable by wearing shoes, nearly 11 million around the world remain susceptible to the disease. Three years ago, Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes to provide children in developing countries with shoes to protect their feet.

The company was founded on a simple premise: one for one. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will donate a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Since its inception in 2006, TOMS has provided over 140,000 pairs of shoes to kids in Ethiopia, Argentina, South Africa, and even the United States. The company continues to gain momentum; TOMS plans to give 300,000 more pairs of shoes by the end of 2009.

When Mycoskie, an avid traveler, visited Argentina in 2006, he was shocked by the number of kids that couldn’t afford to buy shoes. Without shoes, Mycoskie discovered that these children were not only susceptible to soil-transmitted diseases such as Podo, but were also not allowed to go school. Walking can often be the primary mode of transportation in developing countries, so Mycoskie determined it was crucial for children to have shoes to protect their feet.

Mycoskie is often asked whether TOMS is a for-profit or a non-profit company. The answer lies in the gray area; while TOMS is a for-profit company, it retains giving at its core. By being for-profit, TOMS is able to create a level of sustainability for itself that will enable the enterprise to continue giving to those in need.

TOMS conducts shoe drops in Argentina once a month, and gives away shoes five days a week in Ethiopia. The shoe drop involves volunteers working with each individual child to make sure that they are matched with an appropriately fitted shoe. TOMS takes great pride in the personal delivery of its shoes and each pair is carefully placed directly onto the feet of a needy child. The company’s positive impact on the lives of children in developing countries is undeniable.

TOMS’ ability to continually give is defined by its bold economic model, creative capitalism, which was popularized by Bill Gates at the 2008 World Economic Forum. Creative capitalism is an approach that calls for the use of market forces to help those in need. Another common example of creative capitalism is the popular (RED) campaign. Dedicated to raising money to combat the AIDS virus, Bono’s (RED) campaign is similar to TOMS’ in that it serves a double purpose in supporting charity while simultaneously attracting new customers wanting to be involved in a good cause.

Having experienced success with TOMS Shoes, Mycoskie hopes that one day the company’s one for one model will be extended beyond the sale of shoes.