Skechers BOBS Rip Off TOMS

Skechers recently released a line of new society enhancing shoes, BOBS.  Essentially, Skechers copied the exact same concept as the popular do-good company TOMS: Purchase one pair of shoes and a second pair will get donated to a child in need. 

The problem with this, is TOMS was founded with a strong back story and purpose.  The founder, Blake Mycoskie, traveled for a time in Argentina during which he encountered several barefoot children.  He founded TOMS to benefit these children and the emotional appeal to help a child in need caused TOMS to have wild success.  However, the message of TOMS is still pure and the company does not spend much money on marketing campaigns or other forms of promotion.

With BOBS, I worry that many people will view Skechers recent business decision as a marketing ploy that is unoriginal and a huge rip off, down to their very name: BOBS.  I mean, you can't really get too much closer, one syllable names- BOBS, TOMS, JOES, etc... same difference really.  Not to mention, the BOBS shoe is IDENTICAL to a TOMS shoe, albeit at a slightly lower price point of $42 compared to $54ish for a pair of TOMS.

While I am sure Mycoskie doesn't mind the copy cat as it ultimately is working towards the greater purpose, I think TOMS advocates and the rest of society will view it as stealing some thunder.  I mean, with the exact same design and promotion (buy one, give one) the only market I really see for the new Skechers is to take some of TOMS potential buyers that are perhaps looking for a cheaper model or love the Skechers brand.

Perhaps a far better way for Skechers to help, would have been to find an equally generous way to help those in need that fit their own model and used some originality.  Within 24 hours of releasing this product internet forums were covered with disapproving patrons. 

I will be interested to see if Skechers will be able to do any good with this new product.  I guess any publicity is good publicity?