There’s something quietly powerful about a product that doesn’t need reinventing to stay relevant. For two decades, TOMS has built its identity around a single, unmistakable silhouette, the Alpargata. Effortless, easy-going and rooted in purpose, it’s a shoe that has transcended trends while staying firmly grounded in everyday wearability. Now, to mark its 20th anniversary, the brand is revisiting its icon with a limited-edition Cerulean Blue collection, and it’s one of its most refined releases to date.
Available now via the official page here.
The Cerulean Blue Alpargatas arrive as a tightly curated drop, with just 200 pairs available across Europe. That scarcity alone makes them a collector’s piece, but it’s the combination of heritage design and fresh seasonal colour that makes them genuinely wearable.
At the heart of the collection is the Men’s Alpargata FWD (£60), a modern evolution of the original slip-on. It keeps everything that made the Alpargata iconic: the low-profile shape, lightweight construction and laid-back versatility, but subtly refines the fit and comfort for today. The Cerulean Blue colourway brings a clean, optimistic energy to the silhouette, somewhere between coastal ease and contemporary minimalism.
It’s the kind of shoe that slots seamlessly into a spring/summer wardrobe. Think relaxed tailoring, cropped trousers, lightweight linen shirts, or even just a well-cut pair of shorts and a simple tee. The beauty of the Alpargata has always been its adaptability, and this updated version leans further into that idea. It’s not trying to be the standout statement piece; instead, it quietly elevates everything around it.
That same philosophy carries across the wider capsule. While the men’s FWD model leads the charge, the collection also includes the Women’s Alpargata Plus (£60) alongside youth and toddler versions (£42 and £38 respectively), reinforcing TOMS’ commitment to accessibility and everyday wear across all ages. It’s a family of products built on the same foundation: simplicity, comfort and purpose.
And purpose is key here. TOMS has long positioned itself as more than just a footwear brand, and this anniversary drop continues that ethos. Each purchase contributes to supporting children’s education, health and wellbeing, a mission that has been central to the brand since its inception in Venice Beach back in 2006. While many brands talk about community, TOMS has embedded it directly into its business model.
Two decades on, that founding idea still resonates. In a landscape where fast fashion often dominates, there’s something refreshing about a brand that continues to champion longevity, not just in product design, but in impact. The Alpargata hasn’t changed dramatically because it hasn’t needed to. It works, and this limited-edition release simply refines and celebrates that fact.
From a styling perspective, the Cerulean Blue tone feels particularly timely. It taps into the broader shift towards softer, more optimistic palettes that we’re seeing across SS26, a move away from stark monochromes and into colours that feel expressive without being overwhelming. It pairs effortlessly with neutrals like ecru, stone and navy, but can also sit comfortably alongside bolder seasonal shades if you’re looking to push things further.
If you’re building out your spring rotation, this is exactly the kind of piece that adds versatility without overcomplicating things. It’s easy to wear, easy to style, and, importantly, easy to justify. A shoe that works across multiple outfits, occasions and settings is always worth the investment, especially when it carries a story beyond aesthetics.
Ultimately, the Cerulean Blue Alpargatas feel like a full-circle moment for TOMS. They honour the past without feeling stuck in it, offering a product that’s as relevant now as it was 20 years ago. Limited in number but broad in appeal, this is a drop that doesn’t shout, it simply delivers.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what great style should do.You can read more TOMS spring features online here.