TOMS Resident Plus

When I began designing the Women’s Resident Plus, my goal was to honor what women already loved about the original Resident—its ease, softness, and at-home comfort—while transforming it into a truly versatile everyday shoe. Early research revealed that women were wearing the Resident far beyond indoor settings, using it for commutes, errands, travel, and their daily routines. This insight made it clear that the evolution needed to go beyond a simple comfort update; it had to become a functional, modern slip-on that performed like a true daily sneaker. As part of a full family collection, I also designed the Men’s and Kids’ versions to merchandise seamlessly with the Women’s, ensuring the Resident Plus became an accessible, cohesive style for the whole family.

To bring this vision to life, I re-engineered the insole package for plush, extended-wear comfort and refined the last to achieve a feminine, clean, and polished silhouette. I paired this with a more structured outsole to enhance stability while maintaining the effortless, lightweight feel that defines TOMS footwear. Material exploration played a key role: soft, cozy uppers that hold their shape throughout the day, subtle textural contrasts that elevate the look, and a padded collar that delivers a welcoming, cushioned step-in experience.

Throughout the development process, I was intentional about carrying forward TOMS’ design DNA—from the asymmetrical toe seam to its approachable simplicity and comfort-first ethos. The Women’s Resident Plus ultimately became more than an update; it evolved into a refined, versatile daily companion that reflects how women truly live. Alongside the Men’s and Kids’ versions, it forms a unified, family-friendly collection designed to bring comfort, polish, and everyday readiness to wearers of all ages.