The shoe-salesman-in-chief

The Wall Street Journal published an amusing story this week on Trump’s love of Florsheim shoes, though the reporter, Alex Leary, was taken to task in the comments for failing to mention that Florsheims are not manufactured in the U.S.A. (and its parent company is suing over tariffs).

The hottest and most exclusive MAGA status symbol is a pair of leather oxfords.

Prefer a wingtip, loafer or monk strap? Black or brown?

President Trump’s got you.

Trump has been gifting footwear to agency heads, lawmakers, White House advisers and VIPs. “Did you get the shoes?” he asks at cabinet meetings. Some people have laced up in the Oval Office. During a lunch meeting in January, Trump suddenly pivoted to his “incredible” new shoes and gave Tucker Carlson a pair of brown wingtips.

“All the boys have them,” said a female White House official. Another joked, “It’s hysterical because everybody’s afraid not to wear them.” The shoe-salesman-in-chief is paying attention.

Trump has fallen in love with Florsheim, the American brand that’s been pairing comfort and style for more than a century. They’re also affordable: many cost $145.

The president has taken to guessing people’s shoe size in front of them. He asks an aide to put in an order and, a week later, a brown Florsheim box arrives at the White House. Trump sometimes signs the box or attaches a note of gratitude, according to people familiar with the ritual.