At Plaeto, we’ve always believed that innovation doesn’t just come from experienced professionals — it can come from curious young minds too. That’s exactly why we started the Trailblazers Internship Program — an 8-week learning experience for school students from Grades 9 to 12 who want a behind-the-scenes look at how a sneaker brand really works.
They ask questions, solve problems, and think like future changemakers. One of the most interesting projects this season? A deep dive into a surprisingly debated topic: Are white shoes still a go-to choice for people today?
So... Are White Shoes Still in Style?
The brief was simple: Understand if people — both school students and general consumers — really buy white shoes. If they do, why? If they don’t, what are they choosing instead?
Armed with surveys, interviews, and data, our young interns spoke to students, parents, teachers, and working professionals. What they uncovered was eye-opening.
What the Trailblazers Discovered
1. White shoes are still big in schools — mainly because uniforms require them. But outside school, things change. Adults and teens tend to stay away from white shoes due to how easily they get dirty.
2. People love the look of white sneakers, but not the stress of keeping them clean — especially in Indian conditions, with rain, dust, and unpredictable roads.
3. The most preferred alternative? Navy blue. It looks neat, hides dirt, and goes with everything. Black and grey were close behind.
Why This Matters
These insights go beyond a school project. They have real-world impact. Schools could revisit their uniform rules, choosing shoe colors that are more practical. And at Plaeto, we’re using this feedback to guide how we design and promote future collections — especially when it comes to everyday sneakers for men, sneakers for women, and kids.
Our Trailblazers proved that age doesn’t define insight. With their help, we’re not just designing shoes — we’re solving problems. And we’re doing it with real voices leading the way.
Want to see what thoughtful, youth-powered sneaker design looks like? Explore our collections at plaeto.in.
