Florsheim Shoes Become Status Symbol in Trump's White House

President Trump gifts classic dress shoes to top officials, turning the 134-year-old brand into an unexpected White House accessory.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:34pm

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President Donald Trump has reportedly been gifting Florsheim dress shoes to top administration officials, turning the 134-year-old brand into an unexpected status symbol inside the White House. Trump has surprised Cabinet members, White House advisors and members of Congress with the shoes, sometimes even guessing their sizes and instructing staff to place the orders. The president personally pays for the footwear, and has even asked recipients at Cabinet meetings, "Did you get the shoes?"

Why it matters

The president's gifting of Florsheim shoes to top officials highlights how a classic American brand can become an unexpected status symbol in the Trump White House. It also reflects Trump's attention to personal style and his desire to outfit his inner circle with a shared accessory, even if some officials wear the shoes reluctantly.

The details

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are among those who have received pairs of Florsheim shoes from the president. Trump recently began looking for footwear for long workdays and chose Florsheim, whose shoes typically sell for about $145. Some officials now wear the shoes when they are around the president.

  • In December, Trump noticed Vance and Rubio's footwear in an Oval Office meeting, suggested they needed an upgrade, and asked for their shoe sizes.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who has been gifting Florsheim dress shoes to top administration officials.

JD Vance

Vice President who has received a pair of Florsheim shoes from President Trump.

Marco Rubio

Secretary of State who has received a pair of Florsheim shoes from President Trump.

Thomas Florsheim Jr.

CEO of Weyco Group, the parent company of the Florsheim brand, who was unaware of President Trump's purchases of the shoes.

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What they’re saying

“You know, you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size.”

— President Donald Trump (The Wall Street Journal)

“All the boys have them.”

— White House Official (The Wall Street Journal)

The takeaway

The president's gifting of Florsheim shoes to top officials highlights how a classic American brand can become an unexpected status symbol in the Trump White House, reflecting Trump's attention to personal style and his desire to outfit his inner circle with a shared accessory.