[–] 23359422? ago (edited ago)
Look at other similar shoes and you will see that those are design features. The toe and heel have reinforced pads that also provide grip because the actual sole of the shoe is probably leather and very slick.
Just my thoughts from owning many pairs of dress shoes over the years.
The seam across the top is a design feature for looks and also the flexion of the forefoot.
[–] 23359113? 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Someone on twitter suggested a listening device had been implanted in the sole. (Taken out before the picture?)
Maybe they do pat downs before they go into these high level meetings and are not allowed to bring in devices, maybe that is how a device could be brought into a meeting.
[–] 23367050? 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I guess he keeps his red ones in good shape for special occasions.