From the Toughee website:  "Toughees have walked with children for nearly 60 years; they’ve earned their reputation as a classic. Designed to meet the needs of African schoolchildren, many of whom walked long distances to school, you can bet Toughees are built to last. Durable, handsome, easy to care for and affordable, with podiatry-approved styles to encourage strong development. Toughees offer breathable comfort for growing feet.