This is something that I read last year, and therefore spent a lot of time searching for a perfect pair that was mostly white. But I can tell you that this is not really a rule at all. I did not hear one kid get yelled at for his shoes at all. They can be any color you want. Your only going to be wearing them in the morning for PEP, so just get what is most comfortable and works best for you. As far as the vibrams, I would probably steer clear of them during the summer. You dont want to draw more attention to yourself. As far as the Ac year, they are fine. My roommate wears them all the time, and I have seen many mids wearing them. Hope that helps! Enjoy your time as much as you can now. Your time at the Academy will come soon enough...... Any other questions for someone that just completed plebe year, feel free to shoot them my way.