TOMS and So iLL Create A Limited Edition Climbing Shoe Line

TOMS/So iLL’s new climbing shoe has the essence of a classic TOMS shoe and encapsulates their belief of being a company focused on giving. TOMS Photo.

Remember TOMS and their trendy canvas slip ons that took the world by storm years ago? Well, the shoe company has recently been cooking up something exciting with an unexpected new collaborator: the climbing shoe brand So iLL. Together they’ve joined forces to support pro climber Kevin Jorgeson’s non profit, 1Climb, to make climbing more accessible in urban areas.

Increasing the accessibility of the sport has been a long time passion of Jorgeson’s, who caught the world’s attention in 2015 with his free climb of Yosemite’s Dawn Wall with Tommy Caldwell. In 2010 the climber constructed a climbing wall in Sonoma, California, at the local Boys and Girls club. The experience left such an impression on Jorgeson that he reached out to founder and CEO of So iLL, Daniel Chancellor, to create 1Climb. Since that initial spark of inspiration, the foundation has been able to introduce kids to climbing all over the country. Their latest goal is an ambitious one: to introduce over 100,000 kids to the sport, a sport that Jorgeson credits with changing his life. Most recently 1Climb opened a new wall at the Variety Boys and Girls Club down in L.A. Even actor Jason Momoa—you might better know him from Game of Thrones—was present to help. Apparently, Momoa is just as passionate about climbing as he is about acting and was more than eager to lend a hand.

From the new collab comes a line of limited edition footwear inspired by climbing. The iconic TOMS Alpargata design has been reimagined with So iLL’s ultra-sticky “Dark Matter” rubber to make for the ultimate climbing shoe. Additionally, TOMS has given So iLL's street shoe a new facelift with new colorways and pull tabs. This new collection is currently available through an Indiegogo campaign, and a portion of the proceeds will be directed towards 1Climb’s efforts. The fundraiser closes this Friday, so if you like what you see don’t hesitate. You’ve only got till tomorrow!

It’s not just about climbing shoes; there are also street shoes and a few handy climbing accessories available through the campaign.

You might just see the new shoes at your local crag.

Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, also happens to be a dedicated climber. TOMS has always been a lifestyle brand focused on giving and he’s thrilled to see how climbing will impact the upcoming generation. Likewise, Dan Chancellor, the founder of So iLL, has enjoyed making high-quality products for outdoor enthusiasts for the past decade, but always felt like he could do more. Now with 1Climb, he’s excited to change lives and the future of climbing, particularly with the next generation. If you’re in need of a new pair of climbing kicks or want to help spread the stoke of the sport, be sure to give their Indiegogo page a glance.

About The Author

stash member Katie Lozancich

TGR Staff Writer and photographer. Fond of bikes, pow, and dogs. Originally from Northern CA, home for me has ranged from the PNW to a teepee in Grand Teton National Park.