White boots: black or pale soles?

Noum

I am planning to buy white boots for this fall/winter, and I'm wondering what are the pros and cons of dark vs pale soles. I'm more drawn to the pale soles to be honest, but since I'm a brunette, I'm wondering if a dark sole might not be better at connecting with my hair as well as be somewhat easier to keep clean. I've never really had white footwear ever, so I feel a bit overwhelmed with all the options! In terms of colors in my wardrobe, I don't really wear black at all, and my neutrals are navy, grey/charcoal, and white/cream. I have resurrected a black winter coat however, but only because recent weight gain makes my navy coat look a little too tight. Any thoughts or advice?

3 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

rachylou

Veteran

I think it depends a bit on one’s style. To me an all white boot is more polished, daintier. A white boot with black sole, more casual, sturdier.

3 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

In my experience, if you wear a lot of black and dark blue - black soles work well on white boots. I don't wear black and prefer my white boots without them. More versatile. See first 3 Finds.

I do wear dark blue so the other two pairs with black soles are worn too. Last 2 Finds.

Nordstrom

Linea Paolo Velore Colorblock Bootie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Nordstrom

Vagabond Vagabond Shoemakers Mya Pointy Toe Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom

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Nordstrom

Naturalizer Blair Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom

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Nordstrom

Rebecca Minkoff Koso Bootie

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3 years ago

Echo

Veteran

There is a very different look to me depending on whether or not the boot has a dark sole. The dark sole says to me, "I want a white boot but I still want them to coordinate with black because I'm not all-in on this light colored shoe trend."

I am a person who wears a LOT of black. Lots. So for the past several years, I've worn white boots with not only black soles, but black accents as well. But the monochromatic look has wiggled its way into my brain and my "solution" is to go with cognac or a rich brown (distinct enough from black to accent as opposed to blend) monochromatic boot instead. That's giving me the look I crave without going full-on white or cream, which I would find more difficult to incorporate into my style. FWIW, I very much prefer the monochromatic look of lighter soles (or of any soles, really. I prefer black shoes to have black soles as well, otherwise they come off as too sneaker-like).

3 years ago

Roberta

Veteran

I think Echo is onto something. I have two pairs of white boots and they both have black soles and black details (zipper and laces). I never thought about it before, but I *think* that I prefer having a bit of contrast on my feet. I also like a dark sole because light ones get so filthy. The two white pairs are never worn with white (that makes my teeth itch), but with black, plaid, and bright colors like pink or yellow.

But I did buy the all cream Edelman boots this summer, and that's a departure.

I love thinking about these little details, thanks for bringing it up!

Amazon

SOREL Women's Phoenix Lace Boots

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Nordstrom

Naturalizer Blair Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom

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3 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I would go with what you are attracted to. I think the two types of booties (white soles vs. dark soles) look different, have a different vibe. I feel like the white-soled ones have more of a vintage sixties vibe, which I personally like. The darker-soled ones maybe seem more modern? If you can, order a couple of pairs of each type and try them with your outfits, to see what you like.

3 years ago

April

Veteran

My very most favorite ever white booties had black soles, and I liked wearing them with an outfit that included some black.

I loved them dearly and then little Bodie decided they were a chew toy.

3 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I recently bought white mules (boot like profile) with black soles and it was the black soles that sold me, because I have black and white hair (possible new rebranding!) and tend to wear black. Since you say your hair is dark, dark soles might work better but go with your instincts when you see them on your feet.

3 years ago

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