Are white trainers really worth it?

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I've always been dubious, mainly because all my shoes seem to get dirty and I don't know how I'd keep white shoes white. Teetering through town in my daft sandals last night, I could count on one hand the number of people who weren't wearing (mainly) grotty white trainers. To be fair, they all looked far more comfortable than I felt. Do people not bother to try to keep them white, or is it a lost battle? Are they on their way out?
Do you genuinely wear them with everything?

I've always worn white trainers as they do go with (almost) everything. Leather trainers are usually easy to clean as dirt just wipes off, though canvas takes a bit more effort.

Just stick them in the washing machine obviously

I have pale blue trainers and do washing machine them regularly.

Doesn't machine washing destroy the sole/upper join? I tried with a pair of DD's cold wash, protective bag, couple of towels to cushion them more and they got destroyed.

Are plain black equally versatile?

I have a severe aversion to black trainers unless for the gym. My white trainers have never been damaged in the wash or I just use a wipe on them and they are fine.

@cocksstrideintheevening why? I went to a job interview today and was in agony as the only smart shoes I have are heels. Everyone else (maybe90%) seemed to be wearing trainers or flat shoes so I spent my journey home looking for something to wear with a black suit. Would plain black also go with e.g. a summer dress?