Tiddies Backgrounder

Tiddies Backgrounder

Through its dedication to creating “soft shoes for a harsh world,” Tiddies Sandals has solidified their place as one of the comfiest sandals on the market. They are transforming themselves from a retro company to a fashion-forward line with new colors and styles that previously weren’t available. Tiddies Sandals are sold in retailers throughout the United States, but most of their business is done at their online store mytiddies.com. Tiddies now also offers kids’ sandals, shoe charms, bracelets, t-shirts, hand roll Hugger beverage insulators and floatable key chains which they make everyday along with their famous sandals. Since its beginnings in 1973 in Pasadena, Texas, Tiddies has stood for quality, sturdy comfort and pride because everything is made in the USA.

After starting in the early 70s, the sandal company hit a high popularity in the 1980s with Tiddies becoming the “must-have” shoe. The customers range from age three to their nineties, and all affirm that “Tiddies are comfortable and fit all sizes.” The real Tiddies Sandals is a three-layered shoe that consists of a durable sole and two soft foam layers on top. The choice of closed cell materials allows the sandals to be lightweight, waterproof, and even floatable; while straps made of soft and stretchy latex tubing provide unparalleled comfort. The longer you wear them, the more comfortable they get as the soft foam creates an exact impression of your feet.

Their factory is located in the northwest section of Houston where everything is made in-house by extraordinary Texas artists. The slogan in the warehouse is “send out a little peace and happiness with every pair we make.” As shoemaking becomes a lost art, Tiddies is one of the last shoes in the market that are still handmade in the US.

Being a part of the community means a lot for this company; they enjoy meeting loyal customers while reaching new ones. They have participated in the Pasadena Rodeo (home of Tiddies), Galveston’s Sand Castle Contest, and Battle of the Bands at Warehouse live in downtown Houston. Tiddies’ drive to go the extra mile for their customers and community which was evident most recently when Tiddies custom-designed a pair of sandals for Bubba, who was born with one leg shorter than the other. He was tired of wearing heavy orthopedic shoes, so Tiddies designed a custom pair to fit him that has made walking much easier for him.

With new owner Patti Bloomer at the helm of this great company, what used to be a fond memory has erupted into a craze. Not only is there an increasing demand from current and new retailers to carry Tiddies products, but also internet sales are booming. With three decades behind them, there is no sign of Tiddies stopping as the company continues to reinvent, redesign, and flourish.

Patti Bloomer Biography

Patti Bloomer Biography

Native Texan Patti Bloomer began her career with various odd jobs that included working for a steel company, an oil company, an oil tool company and an advertising agency. After working as an accounting clerk for several years, she decided to leave the accounting business to work for a local screen printer.

Being resourceful, Bloomer began selling t-shirts to the companies she previously worked for and built a client base. Soon afterwards, she opened her own screen printing company. Then after becoming inspired by one of her customers, in 2001 Bloomer sold her half of the company to her partner and created TshirtsHouston.com. Now with over twenty years in the screen printing business behind her, TshirtsHouston.com has turned out to be a great sister company to Tiddies Sandals.

Bloomer acquired Tiddies intending to bring the brand back to life and to build a company with strong roots. She also loved the fact that not only does Tiddies Sandals remind many of their youth, but it also is extremely beneficial to those who experience physical pain when walking. At Tiddies Sandals she employs amazing artists that make these sandals fashionable and funky while still being extremely comfortable.

Above all Bloomer is an artist whose businesses prosper because of her creativity, ingenuity, and imagination. Despite its expansion, Bloomer aspires to keep Tiddies Sandals’ entire production here in Texas.

“I’m not just an all American woman, but I’m also a Texan and a Houstonian with deep roots and a belief in made in America.”-Patti Bloomer

Tiddies Brings Retro to the Masses

Tiddies Sandals breathes new life with new ownership

Houston, Texas – The Tiddies sandals you know and love are back with fashion-forward footwear with new bright colors and styles. They are making a huge impression on customers young and old by making their retro line also fashionable. “We love getting back in touch with our loyal customers while reaching out to the new generation of Tiddies fans with our new designs,” says Patti Bloomer, Owner of Tiddies.

The newest style of the Spring/Summer 2008 collection is the special pink Y-ME sandal. Three dollars from each sale benefits the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. Tiddies is also making their wildly popular Lava Sandal that features a yellow sole speckled pink to give it that orange sunset look available. Not only are their soles available in a wide assortment of colors, but their straps aren’t far behind with tamer black and beige to wilder blue and purple straps.

Also, in style for 2008 are Tiddies sandals in college colors with Texas Orange for the UT Longhorns, Rebel Red for the Ole' Miss, and even high school colors with Klein High School’s Blue/Gold Paws sandal. “With Spring Break coming up we feel these sandals will be huge seller,” said Bloomer.

In 2006 entrepreneur Patti Bloomer bought Tiddies Sandals with a vision to bring the highly popular brand back to life. “Buying Tiddies was as important to me as it was for the customer who missed their favorite sandals,” says Patti Bloomer, owner of Tiddies Sandals. “I knew this brand had an international appeal, but it needed the right leadership and creative employees to make these unique sandals popular again.”

Tiddies warehouse is based in Houston, Texas with all production made in-house. The company began in 1973 and went through many changes before Patti Bloomer bought the company in 2006. Tiddies is available at select retailers and online at www.mytiddies.com. Also, check out our myspace at www.myspace.com/mytiddies