WORST BRAND RIPOFF

If there’s anything more shameless than a cheap knockoff, it’s ripping off a product for charity.

Walk into a Skechers store and you’ll notice a line of shoes called BOBS. If the one-syllable, exceedingly common name doesn’t ring a bell, then maybe you’ll recognize the familiar canvas shoes. But surely you’ll recognize the gimmick that for each pair of BOBS that’s purchased, a pair is donated to children across the globe who don’t have shoes.

This “classic espadrille with a cause,” according to the Skechers website, is virtually identical to a pair of TOMS. Many of the colors and designs for BOBS are similar to the classic shades of TOMS, like warm earthy tones and sequins.

Some special styles of BOBS also appeal to that same hippie-eqsue vibe of TOMS, embellished with peace signs and tropical leaves. If you compare and contrast the two styles of shoes, the only slight difference you might notice is that BOBS have a bigger, thicker sole.

Skechers at least aims to redeem itself by mentioning on their website that “it isn’t a new idea.” Well, obviously. But Skechers probably could’ve been a little more subtle in their complete imitation of TOMS. Even check out their logo: It’s suspiciously similar to the TOMS flag.

When you compare a basic pair of red canvas shoes from both brands, a pair of BOBS are $38 while a pair of Toms are $44, so Skechers can at least claim the better deal. But for the sake of pride and self-respect, TOMS still win hands down.