To sole protect or not to sole protect?

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my flats have vibram but not any of my heels!
I totally understand putting something on for traction but those overall sole protectors? IMO no different than putting a plastic cover on a sofa. As a senior shoe gal I've always been amazed at the hoopla about CL soles. I remember when Charles Jourdan put red soles are their pumps in 78/79 and generated quite a response, Everyone loved them but no one thought about protecting the sole and just enjoyed it for the fun color it was until it wore.
 
I'm wanting to buy a pair on ebay but the seller had put BLACK sole protectors on! Does anyone know if these can be removed?? Can I at least remove the black and put on the red?
 
I have seen these put on.....they first grind the sole smooth(removing some of the leather of the sole) then they glue the protector on.....I was told by a cobbler that removal will cause alot of damage and would make the sole very thin from the removal process and the necessary grinding to remove the glue....

I hate when people do this on shoes that they are going to sell...it really devalues the shoes in my opinion....
 
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100% protect the sole! I made the mistake of not protecting it twice and the shoes became completely unwearable. Little pebbles now get caught in the base and make horrible sounds on smooth floors, plus I find any shoe way too slippery without the vibram protectors.

So I definitely don't care which looks better.. I need mine protected so I don't fall!

FYI - I'm not nice with my shoes, I've walked many blocks on pavement in them at a time so I don't think uncovered soles could hold up well even if I wanted.
 
I haven't protected the sole on any of my pairs. Before wearing the shoes, I thought I'd be devastated by the marking of the beautiful red soles but when I look at the worn soles now, I just see plenty of good nights out wearing them
 
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I'm trying to decide what to do for my wedding. You know there will be cutesy photographs taken of the shoes...so I'm not sure if I'm okay with them getting scuffed up before that happens or not. After that, no big deal. Definitely wouldn't want to put sole protectors on them for that...but I'm wondering if I should just completely avoid trying to walk in them until the day of, to protect them until then...
 
I'm trying to decide what to do for my wedding. You know there will be cutesy photographs taken of the shoes...so I'm not sure if I'm okay with them getting scuffed up before that happens or not. After that, no big deal. Definitely wouldn't want to put sole protectors on them for that...but I'm wondering if I should just completely avoid trying to walk in them until the day of, to protect them until then...

Maybe wear them on carpet to break in so you can be comfortable on your big day congratulations!!! ❤❤
 
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