What’s Up With Trump’s Shoes?

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

There's a lot of heavy news right now—war, spiking energy prices, Epstein—but I'd like to draw your attention elsewhere for a moment. Downward, actually. Something's happening to the feet of Donald Trump's inner circle. Hegseth, Vance, and Rubio are all wearing the same shoes the president bought them because they're reportedly scared not to be seen in the footwear. It's one of those "only in the Trump administration" kind of stories, and Esquire's Style Director Jonathan Evans breaks it all down. He even has reason to suggest that maybe there's an upshot to this affair.

– Michael Sebastian, editor-in-chief

Plus:

Trump Has Apparently Developed a Fixation on Florsheim Shoes

According to reports, the president is doling them out left and right—and members of his administration are afraid not to wear them.

I'll be honest here and admit that I didn't expect to learn that Donald Trump has created a culture of fear in the White House that's predicated on footwear choices. One based on blind loyalty? Or generalized sniveling? Sure! But one based on wearing the right shoes? Yeah, it kind of caught me off guard.

And yet, here we are. According to reports, the president has become fixated on Florsheim shoes since the end of last year, when he went on the hunt for something more comfortable and landed on a cap-toe oxford from the American brand. Florsheim politely declined to comment for this story, so I did a little visual sleuthing to try to identify it. And though I can't be certain, I'd bet it's the Lexington, which costs $145 and, in keeping with Trump's desired feature set, boasts a "fully cushioned footbed for all-day comfort."

If the story ended there, well ... it wouldn't be much of a story.

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The King of All E-Readers

We all know we should be reading more. It just sucks to here other people say it. That's why when I yell at my friends to join in my book clubs they scoff and say, "I don't have the time," or make excuses and say, "wish I could." Our lives are all busy and these are all valid excuses not to re-read The Lord of the Rings with me, but I often find repeat offenders never making the time to read at all. I wish I had the cash to gift them all a Kindle Paperwhite and see how long until the excuses run out.

This e-reader is a small, lightweight way to carry a whole library with you wherever you go. Whether you fancy comic books, Russian literature, or true crime, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition makes it easier than ever to be a reader—whatever that means to you. There's no longer any excuse to not pick up a (digital) book. They are all made null and void by the king of all e-readers and its paper-like screen.

By Bryn Gelbart

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the 'Mythical' Allure of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Canadian born guard for Oklahoma City Thunder, is a four-time NBA All-Star and was named MVP of the 2024-25 season. He has built a career on consistent and mindful dedication to hard work, an approach he applies equally off the court.

When it comes to style, Gilgeous-Alexander is a fan of authenticity and purpose, which means—no surprise—that he is an official friend of Audemars Piguet, with a burgeoning collection focused on one specific watch design, it's most famous. Recently, I got on a call with the basketball legend to talk about another legend, albeit a horological one: the Royal Oak.

By Nick Sullivan