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White or Black Soles?

DonnaF

Veteran

These are admittedly gear shoes that I would wear for exercise, but I anticipate taking them on vacation next year when I would do a lot of walking. I am not keen on obvious branding, but I like the white soles -- but I don't have Angie's skills and perseverance in keeping white soles white.

Please help me tease out the pros and cons.

Do shoe materials deteriorate while on the shelf? I like to have at least one spare pair since I've worn out a pair's innards in six months. It's occurred to me that I might buy both pairs and save the one until my trip next May, but that's (gulp!) over $350!!! [This model is doctor recommended for stability and comes in a wide width which I need due to the thick Thorlo socks I wear.]

Hoka One One Bondi 7 Running Shoe

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Hoka One One Bondi 7 Running Shoe

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22 replies

Latest reply was from Georgina Morris

Sal

Veteran

I would choose the white and live with the dirt....I am not that keen on black soled shoes - noting my black footwear (excluding dressy) all has white or brown soles. But your colouring and clothing is quite different to me and all black would suit you better.

But I still prefer the white!

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Eileen Fisher Eileen Fisher Sport Sandal (Women) | Nordstrom

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like the white soles for you, Donna, given your wardrobe and overall style (and hair). But you could work with the all black version, too (unlike me). It's possible those would be better for travel for the reasons you mention.

I find the white sole adds contrast and dynamism and in my case, "bookends" my hair enough to aid outfit cohesion -- it also adds a flash of sass. But I see more and more same colour soles on footwear lately so I think we may be moving back to that standard.

I did buy an extra pair of my Ecco shoes in hibiscus last year on sale after I determined that with my Superfeet insole they were good walking shoes for me. Most sneakers are too flat for long term wear (I can go a day in them with my thin Superfeet, but need to change them out at that point) but these worked for longer periods. The white sole does get a bit grungy over time (though admittedly, I also gave them rough treatment and didn't bother cleaning the sole much at all...) and the tops faded, so I'm glad I got an extra pair. I have not found the materials degraded at all. I kept them in their box until now (when I might start wearing them).

My friends swear by the Hokas. I have yet to get a pair but am eager to try them.

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rachylou

Veteran

I too vote for the white sole. Re longevity… I find sneakers don’t sit well… but then I’m talking years, lol

JAileen

Veteran

I prefer the white sole. The all black one makes me think of a uniform.

slim cat

Veteran

White soles - prettier. The brand is good - that's all my husband and daughter are wearing ( doctor' recommendation as well ).

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I like the black myself. No obvious logo. But I don’t like white soles personally.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Another vote for the black soles. Tough, urban minimalism for the win. As we have discovered elsewhere, white soles are prone to discoloration.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

The white soles look slightly edgy to me in a sporty way, in that they read energetic (or dynamic, as Suz put it). But the black soles read less like exercise shoes.

So it really depends on whether you feel good in exercise shoes that look like exercise shoes. Bear in mind though that vacation plans may not stay the same by this time next year (sorry to be a downer, just being COVID-real!) so think in terms of your usual gymwear too!

Bijou

Veteran

I like the black with the less obvious branding. That said I am fine with having white soled sneakers and giving them a wipe-over if dirty. I take the view that a few scuff marks keep my white sneakers looking urban. As for potential yellowing, it can often depend upon the brand, I have a pair of Nike's with a white sole that are 5 years old with no yellowing at all despite frequent wear.

Jules

Veteran

I feel that hard rubber-like soles (think converse, vans) are more likely to yellow than the more foam-like ones usually found on gear sneakers, which just get grey (but are hard to clean). I do think materials degrade but on a longer timeline (like 5+ years!). I like the white soles better but if you’re buying two pairs why not get one of each?

Aquamarine

Veteran

I like the white soled-ones. They are less heavy-looking. But I’ve never liked all-black sneakers myself.

I have duplicates of some sneakers stored away and they don’t seem to have degraded at all in a few short years, but I have not worn them yet.

cat2

Veteran

I don’t like bookending to my hair, I think it cuts my leg line in a way that makes me look shorter. I would go with all black and match it to black, grey, etc. pants.

Chris987

Veteran

I can see both as fitting your style. Not sure about Nordstrom but I know Zappos has a 365 day return policy so that gives you plenty of time to consider and/or deal with any unforeseen changes.

I personally prefer the total black look for travel - less sporty and more "not sure of the term for it" .. oh yeah approprio nailed it "tough urban minimalism". And don't have to worry about the soles not being pristine if you care about that.

I have had several pairs of HOKAS - I wear the running shoes for walking. VERY stable and comfortable. I always add a superfeet pink insole. I have also worn the waterproof "trail runner" equivalents (not sure that's what they were called) and loved those too. but they have discontinued most of them, and the one I tried recently rubbed on my ankle bone so I returned them.

IMHO $$ spent on shoes that work is money well spent. If it seems exorbitant skimp on other areas of your wardrobe.

Really a personal choice.

kkards

Veteran

White—imo the black look like service shoes, sorry.

DonnaF

Veteran

Wow! Split decision with the white soles winning out. Thanks everyone for taking the time to weigh in. I decided that I will order both and examine my emotions after I try them on and see how they look on my feet and in the context of my (short) proportions and what I might wear with them in a non-exercise walking setting. Normally, I don't agonize but buy Brooks Addictions, and now Hoka One One's Bondi -- shoe models that meet my functional needs without a thought toward attractiveness.

The *vacation* is my nephew's college graduation next year, but I need to check with my SIL to see if he's on track to graduate on time. I hope to tack on a little bit of touristy stuff in WDC and Chicago. Good thing my feet don't get very hot these days; in the past I would run the other way from black S/S.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m feeling the white soles a lot these days, as is evidenced by my last several shoe purchases below! So I’m inclined towards those for you as well. But ordering both and trying them is really the way to go — sometimes you get a surprise.

SOREL Joanie III Lace

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SOREL Explorer II Joan

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LJP

Veteran

I agree with Suz - knowing your style and how you use a lot of graphic bits in styling - in that the white would be great. I'm not a fan of black soles on sneakers - but that's a personal thing. I wear Nike leather black sneakers with white soles - they are now in their 3rd year- and have never had to clean the sidewalls , the soles, nor have they degraded. I don't wear them out in inclement weather though and only wear them about once a week.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Depends on your tolerance for scuffing, your need to look pristine and your visceral reaction to all black sneakers. For many years I would only wear black sneakers and it took me a long time to come around to white - I am not really completely there yet and prefer a mix of black and white.

DonnaF

Veteran

I just got a notice from Nordstrom that the black soled shoe order was cancelled so that choice may have been settled for me. But just now I was able to re-order (without a Double Points Day) so we'll see if that order goes through.

Joy

Veteran

I also prefer the white soles, but if you are not willing to clean them often, go with black.
I just saw your update. The white soles will be happy shoes.

DonnaF

Veteran

UPDATE: Contrary to the cancellation email they sent me, I'm pretty sure those black on black soled shoes never went out of stock; my size never had a low stock note, I was able to reorder and even now they are in stock with no low stock note. The size adjacent, however, was Out of Stock. I was able to convince Nordstrom Customer Service of this so I was given Double Points on my reorder. [Thank you, Yasmine!]

I decided I can wear the black on blacks when a pair of my current exercise shoes wear out probably later this year, while I can hold out on wearing the white soled ones until I travel next May.

Georgina Morris

Member

Personally I will go with Black ones, coz its very difficult to maintain the white shoes neat and clean.