Trump Gifts Dress Shoes to Cabinet Members

President says he wants his administration officials to look "spiffy" and not wear sneakers

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:51pm

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President Donald Trump confirmed that he has been gifting dress shoes, particularly Florsheim leather oxfords, to his Cabinet members and other administration officials. Trump said he wants his team to look "spiffy" and not wear sneakers, even though he acknowledges that "sneakers are wonderful." The president said he enjoys helping his staff get properly outfitted with comfortable, quality footwear.

Why it matters

Trump's focus on his Cabinet's footwear choices has drawn some criticism, with photos of Secretary of State Marco Rubio wearing oversized dress shoes sparking mockery. However, the president defends his actions, saying he wants his team to project a professional image.

The details

In a radio interview, Trump said that when his Cabinet members tell him they have a problem with their shoes, he offers to get them a new pair. The president said he has "fallen in love" with Florsheim's leather oxfords, which typically retail for $145. Trump denied that he's exclusively focused on that brand, saying "it's a nice shoe" that "seems to work out pretty well." The president introduced his own line of Trump-branded sneakers in 2024, with a mid-top option starting at $199 and a high-top gold version at $399.

  • In a Friday interview on 'The Brian Kilmeade Show', Trump discussed his practice of gifting dress shoes to his Cabinet.
  • Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal reported on Trump 'gifting footwear to agency heads, lawmakers, White House advisers and VIPs.'

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who has been gifting dress shoes, particularly Florsheim leather oxfords, to his Cabinet members and other administration officials.

Marco Rubio

The current Secretary of State, who was mocked on social media for wearing dress shoes that appeared too large for him.

Friedrich Merz

The current Chancellor of Germany, who met with President Trump and his Cabinet in the Oval Office.

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What they’re saying

“When they tell me they have a problem, I say, 'Let me get you a pair of shoes.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (The Brian Kilmeade Show)

“Sneakers are wonderful, but I don't want my Cabinet members wearing sneakers.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (The Brian Kilmeade Show)

What’s next

The president's focus on his Cabinet's footwear choices is likely to continue, as he seems determined to ensure his team projects a professional image.

The takeaway

Trump's gift-giving of high-quality dress shoes to his administration officials highlights the president's attention to detail and desire for his team to look polished, even if it draws some criticism for being an unusual focus for a commander-in-chief.