This may have applied at some point in the past, but it is categorically wrong today.
Among 26-year old women like OP's daughter white Adidas Stan Smiths and Superstars are easily the most popular shoes and tasteful athletic shoes are now standard wear for young people across Western Europe.
Agree, but that's because many in Western Europe have no sense of fashion anymore.
So much better in Southern and Eastern Europe!
Although do note such white sneakers might not get you into fancy clubs. I often went out in groups from which everyone got in except Dutch and German girls whose clothes/shoes were not deemed fashionable enough!