TOMS About Town: Summer in the City with TOMS Shoes

The long weekend is upon us, friends. And though this hot holiday seems to mark the beginning of the end, rest assured, there is still a lot summer left. You have plenty of time to get out and enjoy patios, parks and warm summer nights. And with all that day seizing left to do, you’ll need some summer gear. Because we’re ethical, conscientious travellers we’re filling some of our summer city gear needs with TOMS. That’s right, I took TOMS about town to see how their shoes bags and glasses hold up to the rigours of summer in the city.

Not Just Shoes

Right now you might be thinking about TOMS signature canvas slip-ons. While the original still reigns supreme, TOMS has expanded their line (and their One For One program) to include bags, sunglasses, sandals, boots and sneakers. Every time you pick up a cute pair of wedges and some aviators, TOMS one for one program delivers a pair of shoes and/or much needed prescription eyeglasses to someone in need in one of the 70 countries they serve around the world.

Out and About

For long walks around town and city bike rides I tested the Men’s Paseo Sneaker, Women’s Mesh Classic espadrille. For beach trips, parks excursions and general patio hopping I loaded up Canvas Trekker backpack. Now, it’s no secret that TOMS are comfortable, light, and wear well. But these shoes are also ready for a long day out and about. The Paseo’s squishy leather insole and interior flex-strap keep the shoes breathable and in place all day. What’s more, this cute comfy shoe literally goes with everything. Men, I’m talking to you. Our male fashion models tried to out-fashion them with office wear, shorts, and jeans button downs but they worked with everything. Looking cute while keeping comfortable seems like an impossible task these days. But dressing up an outfit with the Women’s Mesh Classic was also piece of cake. A play on the timeless espadrille, this shoe is a breathable, beautifully textured flat that stood up to long bike rides down the Rideau Canal and endless farmer’s market wandering.

What’s in the Bag?

Since the moment it arrived, the Canvas Trekker Backpack and I have been inseparable. Yes, its true the shoes are great but this bag is by far and away my favourite summer companion. The canvas and straps are soft and flexible its cool, casual design means you can take it anywhere. Inside there are many easy to access compartments that can be expanded for high-volume schlepping and then easily synched back up for lighter loads. Because it is special, I took my lovely backpack on a picnic to my favourite place in town: Major’s Hill Park—do not tell my other bags about this.

I Could Have Danced All Night

Bet you didn’t think TOMS had shoe you could wear out at night? Well they have plenty. When night fell, I pulled out the Basket Weave Majorca Boots and headed out for cocktails and a street party. Because the leather is new and not yet worked in these little cutie booties gave me a couple of blisters. That said, the foot bed is soft and I didn’t wince a single wince from being on heels all night. These heels are comfortable! Like all night and maybe an after party comfortable.

I also wore them out to several brunches; dinners, dates and shopping to the tune of many compliments from strangers all surprised (as you are now) that the shoes were by TOMS. TOMS has just launched their back to school line and when you’re done wearing shorts and enjoying their summer styles, you should check it out.