Last Updated on April 10, 2017 by Jane
First there were TOMS and now there is Soludos. Well actually there are loads of brands of these flat espidrille type shoes. Even JCREW has a version.
But the two names that seem to stick out as top favourites are Soludos and TOMS. And while they are similar there are differences down to the soles of the shoes. So Soludos versus TOMS, are they the same shoe? Which is better? Is one more comfortable than the other? We will look at all of these questions in this post.
Soludos versus TOMS: Shop the Styles:
Soludous: Yellow Dali, Colour Block, Skinny IKAT, Bold Ikat, Lace Up. TOMS: Glitter, Techno Two tone, Lamar Heart Print, Canvas Classic in Red or Navy.
When it comes down to it the shoes are super similar at first glance. And maybe it is the canvas top that equates the two. But TOMS has a rubber sole whereas Soludos has a jute sole. What does that mean for you? If you want a sneaker like shoe that can pound the pavement go for TOMS. Want something cooler for hot days and hanging at the beach but hate flip flops? Soludos is where to look. Soludos is based on a traditional espadrille whereas TOMS is developed off the Argentine Alpargata. TOMs has WAAAAYYYY more styles, plus sizes for kids and babies.There are also desert boots, wedges and even glasses. Soludos does one shoe. Plus TOMS has their one for one campaign. You buy a pair of shoes (or glasses) and one pair is donated to a third world child.
Soludos does start at a cheaper price point. But for me all things equal I would pay more for TOMS based on their charity work alone.
What do you think? Which do you like better? TOMS or Soludos? Or do they serve a different purpose in your closet?
2014 UPDATE Soludos versus TOMS
Since originally posting Soludos versus TOMS I have owned both a pair of TOMS and a pair of Soludos. Here is how the differences break down for me.
Soludos are quite narrow. When I first tried to get them on I really struggled and wondered if I had ordered the right size. But after wearing them around the house for 10 minutes there was lots of stretching. They are now very comfortable to wear. Still if you have a wide foot you might want to consider TOMS over Soludos.
The one thing that I don’t like about my TOMS after a year of wear is that the footbed liner never stays in; I have to adjust and make sure it is sitting properly to put the shoe on and walk properly. After a year of wear the TOMS look grungy but the sole is still intact and in good condition.
I think because of the difference in cotton fabrics (the weaves are different between the two companies) Soludos comes off looking cleaner and newer for longer. Also because the Soludos are narrower they seem to lengthen the foot and I find they look more chic. I am also loving their recent collaborations & their lace up styles.
What do you think? Which do you prefer? Soludos versus TOMS.
Chelsea
Saturday 15th of July 2017
I'm debating on getting some Soludos, so this was very helpful. Thank you!
I'd like to share, though, that the charity aspect of TOMS really isn't and shouldn't be a reason for buying them. There are quite a lot of flaws within their "buy one give one" model, and they might actually be doing more harm than good. Just something to consider. Not saying there's anything wrong with getting them, I used to own a couple pair (that honestly fell apart over time so I hope they've increased their quality) but the charity model should be transparent, and sadly people think they're doing good when they probably aren't. Here's one of many articles that breaks it down: https://www.fastcompany.com/1679628/the-broken-buy-one-give-one-model-three-ways-to-save-toms-shoes
jane@chiceverywhere.com
Saturday 15th of July 2017
Thanks Chelsea - good to know about Toms whole social responsible angle.
Annie
Tuesday 1st of March 2016
Rain or shine TOMS shoes are more dependable. It's good for wide feet. I never had any problems with TOMS that's why I have 4 pairs of it. It lasts an average of 2 years for me. I can wash it when it's dirty too. Soludos are really for dry weather
Judy Berkowitz
Saturday 20th of December 2014
The Toms mantra of buy-one-give-one is tremendously misleading. The Toms company *has already sold* the pair of shoes you are buying to the retail outlet. Awkward sentence... what I mean is that by the time you buy the shoe - whether at a store or online - the charitable donation part of the transaction has already come and gone.
Jane the torontoShopoholic
Sunday 21st of December 2014
While that is likely true and makes sense from a business perspective as long as they actually maintain the one for one, does it matter? If it does matter to you then buying directly from Toms would be the way to go.
lololauren
Wednesday 18th of July 2012
I own a pair of Toms and a pair of Soludos. As far as how they look on, I prefer the Soludos, as another person said they look more chic and are better for summer, and I receive more compliments on them. However, they aren't made very well. I've had mine for 4 months and about 2 months ago the rubber along the bottom of the shoe started coming off. Thankfully it hasn't gotten much worse, but I've had my Toms for over a year and they are still in pretty good condition. So if you're looking for better quality, go with Toms. But as long as you don't get your Soludos wet (that really messes them up), they should last you a while.
kellywhalen818
Monday 16th of July 2012
Good to know! I can't wear this type of shoe because my foot is slightly narrow, but I adore the way they look on other people! ;)