President Donald Trump has been gifting a specific brand of shoes to his inner circle, and the footwear has become a symbol of loyalty in Washington political circles, according to reports.
Trump's Favorite Shoes—A Gift for Everyone He Meets
The Wall Street Journal reported on May 10 that Trump has been giving out Florsheim oxford dress shoes, an American brand.
The traditional lace-up dress shoes feature eyelets beneath the front leather panel and are considered a classic design suited for conservative business attire.
According to the report, Trump frequently asks key figures whether they have received shoes or checks their shoe size before placing an order. Orders are processed through his secretary, with brown shoe boxes arriving at the White House about a week later.
Trump sometimes signs the gift boxes personally or leaves brief messages. Some recipients have been seen trying on the shoes in the Oval Office, the WSJ reported.
The shoes cost approximately $145, a modest price for the billionaire president and his wealthy associates. However, as Trump's close allies have increasingly worn them, the footwear has taken on political symbolism.
Recipients reportedly include Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Fox News host Sean Hannity and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham have also received pairs, according to reports.
Recipients often wear the shoes when meeting with Trump.
One cabinet member jokingly complained, "I had to leave my Louis Vuitton shoes behind to wear these," the WSJ added.
Inside the White House, word has spread that Trump takes note of who wears the shoes. One staffer told the WSJ that "almost all the male staff wear them." Another said there is concern about standing out by not wearing them.
The shoe gifts appear limited to men. One female staffer noted that "almost all the men wear them," describing the internal atmosphere.
A Billionaire's Choice: $145 Shoes
Trump's interest in the shoes began simply.
According to the WSJ, he was looking for comfortable dress shoes he could wear all day late last year when he discovered Florsheim. Satisfied with the fit, he began gifting them to those around him.
Trump, known to favor Italian luxury brand Brioni suits, drew attention for choosing relatively affordable American-made shoes.
During a lunch meeting in January, Trump suddenly brought up his new shoes, calling them "amazing." He handed conservative commentator Tucker Carlson a pair of brown oxford wingtips at the gathering, the WSJ reported.
At another occasion, Trump reportedly examined attendees' footwear mid-conversation, then brought out a shoe catalog to ask their sizes.
Florsheim was founded in Chicago in 1892 by German immigrant shoemaker Sigmund Florsheim and his son Milton. The brand supplied military boots to U.S. forces during both World Wars and has long been a fixture in American dress shoe market.
Former President Harry Truman was known to favor the brand. Pop star Michael Jackson reportedly wore Florsheim loafers when performing his moonwalk.
Florsheim has not officially confirmed Trump's orders. CEO Thomas Florsheim Jr., a fifth-generation descendant of the founder, declined to comment to the WSJ.