I first heard about Toms shoes a few years ago. It was my school’s fashion magazine’s charity of choice. Since then, it has gained popularity through advertisements and is now sold not only online, but also through many retailers. It’s such a successful model that others are starting to mimic it. Their business model is described as “one-for-one”, meaning buy one pair and donate another to a cause simultaneously. It associates brands with helping build a better world and makes the buyer feel like they are contributing to a good cause. According to the Wall Street Journal, 19% of those polled said they would even switch to a more expensive brand in order to support a cause. New York company Warby Parker is following suit in the eyewear industry, and Figs in Santa Monica are following with neckties which in turn provide school uniforms to children in Africa. I wish every brand would do something like this.

Did you think, or should I say did you hope, that crocs were just a passing fad? Recent news says otherwise. The “comfiest shoes ever” are developing new ways to stay on the cutting edge. Associated Press says, “It’s also boasting new styles such as loafers, flats and heels made out of everything from leather to canvas to differ from its traditional clogs. ” With new styles, a more global reach, store openings, and the launch of toning products, crocs are here to stay for a while.

In case you thought YOU should be the star of “Shoe Addicts Anonymous” instead of Halle Berry, imagine trying to resist a purchase after a glass of wine or two – impossible, I know. In Seattle, Somelier David LeClaire puts women, shoes, and wine in the same room for an unbeatable combination. The only thing missing is chocolate, or it would be called heaven. Instead, it’s called “Sips & Shoes”.  Participants bring new or gently used shoes for a silent auction and footwear boutiques also sell their merchandise while they sip on wine from over 30 wineries. Everything benefits the Ryther Child Center. It’s an easy equation: a fun night out + a good cause = strong brand loyalty.

Babble.com looks at the perfect pair of shoes for pregnant women. Even though we see celebrity moms-to-be walking around in platforms, let’s be realistic. The increased belly weight (aka the beautiful miracle growing inside of you) adds stress to joints and causes lower back pains. Not an ideal stiletto situation and Ballet flats don’t provide enough support either. The perfect height is between 1 and 1.5 inches which is about the height of any athletic shoe. There are also some low heeled shoes on the market for dressier occasions. Boots and oxford shoes are a stylish way to protect your feet, even when your tummy gets so big that you’re feet disappear from your view.

Think about the label on the inside of your shirt. It has washing instructions and says where it was made. Now think about the bottom of your shoes. It might say the size or the designer, but doesn’t mention where it was made – yet. The European Union voted in favor of putting the manufacturing country on a label for all imported shoes, clothes, leather, furniture, ceramics, and high-tech steel products worth billions of euros according to reuters.com . Consumers are concerned about where their merchandise is coming from and how it was made. They want to make informed purchases based on other factors than just style and comfort. The customer is changing and the industry needs to catch up and give them the information they want.