I'm a member of an auto enthusiast forum, and it always surprises me when someone comments on wheels on a car. I simply never look at them.

But, just because I don't care about wheels, doesn't mean it's not a valid aesthetic and functional choice.

(I don't care about shoes, either.)

It definitely seems to matter on an almost jewelry-level to some people, footwear.

Even if I doubt they spend more time intentionally looking at other people's shoes day to day, but I guess "louder" designs may change that a bit.

I have been a runner for many years, and I do habitually glance at running shoes.