In the photos they looked like decent shoes, but due to the rubber waffle pattern under the not-quite-thin insole, there's no comfort; (I know my feet won't be comfortable in these shoes all day.) The bottom of the shoe is made of the same synthetic rubber material as the sides that wrap the upper. I don't know about other colored soles, but white-soled shoes like mine attract dirt. They look like they're $40 or more sneakers, but they actually cost less than $20. (I hope they remake them or discontinue them.) Overall, they were my biggest disappointment. On the plus side, the company supports good children's charities.