that's why I don't buy sneakers with white rubber on the sides where the rubber hits the material gets dirty too easily. These are not typical moccasins, the heel has that about a half inch area around the heel that is really useless, too small to hold the shoe. The only thing it does is tilt under the heel, which can be uncomfortable. The fit is fine and the only problem I find is the heel. The material is likely counterfeit vinyl of an imported variety.