New sneakers, Joe? Biden wears $150 chunky sneakers as part of his aides’ constant effort to keep him from slipping and falling
- The president arrived in Washington, DC on Monday wearing a pair of sneakers
- The shoe brand appears to be Hoka, which is a departure from the president’s preference for Sketchers
- Biden continues to wear sneakers to stabilize his gait and prevent falls in public
President Joe Biden was spotted wearing a very chunky pair of sneakers on Monday as his aides take every precaution to prevent the president from falling in front of the camera again.
The president was seen leaving Marine One on Monday wearing a pair of chunky all-black sneakers with a wide chunky sole, along with his blue suit.
The new executive kicks appear to be Hoka “Transport” sneakers, which typically retail for $150.
President Joe Biden arrives at the White House
President Joe Biden, right, and first lady Jill Biden arrive at the White House
Hoka promotes its “Transport” brand sneakers as the “intersection of lifestyle and performance” with a “commuter-friendly style” that are “designed with an urban dweller in mind.”
The Hoka shoe company was founded in France, but its global headquarters are now in the United States. She in the first place manufacture their shoes in Vietnam and China.
Online reviewers praise the shoes for being “super comfortable” despite their clunky appearance and “easy to put on and take off.”
Biden showed off his new shoes just hours after former President Donald Trump personally unveiled three sets of TRUMP-branded sneakers at Sneaker Con on Saturday.
One pair, the “Never Surrender” model, is sparkling gold and accented with red, white and blue and retails for $399.
Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, holds gold Trump sneakers at Sneaker Con Philadelphia
Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, holds gold Trump sneakers
President Joe Biden approaches the press
It is not the first time that President Biden has caused a stir with his choice of shoes
Last summer, the president was spotted wearing a pair of sneakers as he boarded Air Force One during a trip to a NATO summit. The president wore a pair of Skechers loafers without socks, prompting photographers to take notice.
Biden started wearing sneakers more often after he tripped over a sandbag and fell prone on stage during a 2023 Air Force Academy commencement ceremony.
Democrats fear Biden is one bad fall away from a serious injury that could jeopardize the future of his presidency.
The president’s allies have urged him to walk shorter distances while on camera, and also supported the idea of wearing more comfortable shoes to make his appearance appear less stiff and to stabilize him as he walks.
Biden also began using the short staircase to board Air Force One, and there is a military aide waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs to monitor his entry and exit.
President Joe Biden boards Air Force One
President Joe Biden, left on the stairs, and first lady Jill Biden, right, board Air Force One at Philadelphia International Airport
The president broke his foot shortly after the 2020 presidential election because he had to wear an orthopedic boot for several days. Biden said at the time that he had gotten out of the shower and tripped on a rug while pulling his dog’s tail.
Since then, Biden’s gait has become more hesitant and stiff. According to the New York Times, Biden also refused to wear an orthopedic boot for extended periods of time, which likely had an effect on his posture.
Biden’s physical stumbles and missteps only add to questions about his age as a growing number of Americans wonder whether he should run for re-election.
A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll shows that 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old for another term.