A peculiar footwear ritual inside the White House has taken on a life of its own, after reports revealed that Donald Trump has been gifting £114 ($145) Florsheim dress shoes to allies across his political and media circle. What began as a simple search for comfortable office footwear has quietly evolved into one of the most talked-about quirks of his presidency.
The practice, described by several officials as both humorous and awkward, has reportedly become an informal tradition during meetings with senior advisers, cabinet officials and visiting supporters.
The gifts have created a curious dynamic inside Trump's orbit, where some insiders say recipients feel pressure to wear the shoes whenever they appear alongside the president.
Donald Trump's fascination with Florsheim shoes reportedly began in late 2025, when he searched for comfortable dress footwear suitable for long days in the White House.
The president, long known for favouring expensive Italian tailoring such as Brioni suits, surprised associates by embracing the comparatively modest American shoe brand. Florsheim leather shoes often retail for about £114 ($145), placing them far below the luxury footwear commonly worn by wealthy political figures.
Once Trump found the shoes comfortable, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, he began ordering pairs for colleagues and visitors. Boxes would arrive at the White House roughly a week after meetings, sometimes signed by Trump or accompanied by handwritten notes of thanks.
White House officials told reporters that Trump personally pays for the footwear rather than using government funds.
What began as a personal preference gradually evolved into a distinctive gift-giving habit.
According to media reports, Donald Trump has been buying $145 Florsheim dress shoes for allies in his inner circle, and people are reportedly “afraid not to wear them.”Marco Rubio was photographed wearing a pair Trump ordered for him by just guessing his size. They looked…pic.twitter.com/V7BKhPbhEb
The list of recipients reportedly includes some of the most prominent figures in Trump's political circle.
Source: International Business Times UK
