By Katelyn Caralle, US Political Reporter and Charlie Spiering, Senior Political Reporter, Dailymail.com in Washington, DC
16:30 March 18, 2024, updated 17:32 March 18, 2024
- The chunky black sneakers Biden was spotted wearing cost $150 Hoka Transports
- 'Lifestyle' shoes feature a thick heel and pulley lace system
- The move comes as Mr Biden is trying to find stability amid a series of falls and stumbles in public.
President Joe Biden's recent shoe choices have sparked speculation that he may be wearing more stable footwear to prevent frequent trips and falls in the run-up to the 2024 election.
Inside Edition reports that the sneakers Biden, 81, was seen wearing last month were Hoka Transport shoes, a “performance” “commute” shoe.
The laces have a pulley mechanism that saves the wearer the hassle of tying their shoes.
The Republican National Committee (RNC), under new leadership aligned with President Trump, jumped on the report and posted the video to RNC Research social media over the weekend.
“Biden stumbles so often that leaders are forcing him to wear new 'lifestyle sneakers,'” the account said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The bulky, $150 black shoes quickly drew attention from observers who questioned the president's choice of shoes to wear with his suit as he left the White House last month.
CBS Inside Edition host Les Trent went to a shoe store to try on Hoka sneakers.
“As you can see, they look very comfortable,” he said, slipping the shoes on his feet. “It has a fairly wide sole. It's definitely more stable.”
“And the president has a history of stumbles,” Trent noted.
Hoka Transport's webpage states that the sneaker's “stability” is “neutral” rather than “moderate or stable.”
The transport is equipped with a symmetrical cushion bed without the need for additional normative technology. “Designed to give you the support you want and the support you don't want,” reads a description of the sneaker's features.
Hoka shoes seem to be mainly for walking around town.
The Transport website states, “Conceived at the intersection of lifestyle and performance, this commuter-friendly style offers numerous sustainability features throughout the outsole, midsole, and upper.” It has been. Designed with city dwellers in mind.
After President Biden was spotted wearing super-sturdy sneakers last month, speculation intensified that his aides were taking precautions to prevent him from falling.
As the 2024 election approaches in November, Biden's frequent slips, trips and falls have shown his health and fitness for the presidency to decline in recent years. There was growing speculation that this might be the case.
On February 19, Biden was seen leaving the White House to board Marine One, wearing a blue suit and sturdy all-black sneakers with thick soles, now known as Hokas.
Hoka Shoe Company was founded in France, but its global headquarters are currently in the United States. We mainly manufacture shoes in Vietnam and China.
Online critics praise the shoe for being “very comfortable” and “easy to put on and take off” despite its ungainly appearance.
This isn't the first time President Biden has caused controversy with his shoe choices.
Last summer, the president was seen wearing sneakers aboard Air Force One during a trip to a NATO summit. The president wore slip-on Skechers shoes without his socks, which caught the attention of photographers.
Biden has been wearing sneakers more often since tripping over a sandbag and sprawling on stage during the 2023 Air Force Academy graduation ceremony.
Democrats fear that Mr. Biden is one step away from sustaining a serious injury that could jeopardize his future as president.
The president's allies have urged him to walk shorter distances in front of cameras and also supported the idea of wearing more comfortable shoes to make him look less stiff and steady in his gait. ing.
Mr. Biden has also begun using a short staircase to board Air Force One, with military aides stationed at the bottom of the stairs to monitor entry and exit.
The president broke his foot shortly after the 2020 presidential election and was forced to wear an orthopedic boot for several days. At the time, Biden said he had gotten out of the shower and was pulling his dog's tail when he tripped on the rug.
Since then, Biden's steps have become more halting and stiff. Biden has long refused to wear orthopedic boots, which is likely affecting his posture, according to the New York Times.
As more Americans question whether he should run for re-election, Biden's physical stumbles and gaffes only heighten questions about his age.
Polls show Americans are increasingly concerned that Biden is no longer mentally or physically fit to be president.
An ABC News/Ipsos poll earlier this year showed 86% of Americans think Biden is too old for another term.
Biden unveiled the new shoes for the first time just hours after former President Donald Trump personally unveiled three sets of TRUMP-branded sneakers at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last month.
The pair of “Never Surrender” models are made of shimmering gold with red, white and blue accents and retail for $399.
