TOMS shoes made its Knoxville debut at Barley's in the Old City while moving through the nation on its "Style your Sole" college campus tour.

TOMS is a shoe company, started by chief shoe giver, Blake Mycoskie, that incorporates giving. The trade-off of TOMS is each pair of shoes bought is a pair donated to a child in need.

The "Style your Sole" tour is TOMS newest endeavor. Throughout the United States, TOMS will make its mark on 45 college campuses.

"Style your Sole" is a unique way to bond with others and learn more about the TOMS cause. Participants can buy a white pair of shoes and make them their own by decorating with paint, glitter, fabric and more.

College Initiative coordinator Brett Dioguardi helped run the TOMS event Monday. Dioguardi became involved with TOMS through an internship he received after graduating college.

The humanitarian aspect of TOMS interested Dioguardi. He is always passionate about environmental issues, and TOMS fit in well with his personality.

"I've always had some Captain Planet in me," Dioguardi said.

The chance to meet new people and spread the word about TOMS is one of Dioguardi's favorite aspects of his job.

A common misconception about the TOMS organization is that a "Tom" actually exists. The name TOMS comes from, "Shoes for Tomorrow." TOMS's motto is: "buy shoes today - give shoes tomorrow."

As TOMS is spreading its cause around U.S. campuses, college ambassadors are requested to show the crew around and help organize the events.

Whitney Novak, a University of Tennessee junior in English, was a key player in the "Style your Sole" tour. Novak is not involved with TOMS directly, but she is an avid TOMS wearer ever since a friend told her about the shoes.

"(I want to) walk around campus and see people wearing their TOMS. It would bring a smile to my face," Novak said.

TOMS gave its first batch of shoes to children in Argentina, but it's not stopping there. South Africa, Ethiopia and the U.S. are next on the list to receive TOMS.

"Style your Sole" is not limited to its college tour. Anyone can request the presence of TOMS at their next function by visiting the TOMS Web site.