SHERIDAN, WY – Former President Donald Trump made an announcement over the weekend, revealing his new venture into the world of sneakers. At Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, Trump proudly launched his own line of tennis shoes, signaling a potential effort to connect with younger supporters.
The line, aptly named Trump Sneakers, is already available for preorder online. It features three distinct pairs of tennis shoes: high-tops, red lace less athletic shoes, and white lace less athletic shoes. The high-tops, adorned with a gold “T” on each shoe, are called the “Never Surrender High Top Sneaker” and are priced at $399. The athletic shoes, featuring a “T” and the number 45 on the sides, are priced at $199.
In addition to the sneakers, customers who purchase a pair will receive extra laces and a Trump “superhero charm.” The website also offers a “Victory47” perfume and cologne, each priced at $99. It’s important to note that these sales are not affiliated with Trump’s presidential campaign or the Trump Organization. Instead, the former president has licensed his name, image, and likeness to CIC Ventures LLC for the purpose of selling these products.
While Trump’s sneaker launch received mostly enthusiastic support from the crowd, there were occasional boos mixed in with the cheers. This move could be seen as an attempt to appeal to a younger demographic and reconnect with his base. Trump himself expressed optimism about the success of his sneaker line, stating, “We’re going to turn this country around fast. We’re going to remember the young people, and we’re going to remember Sneaker Con.”
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Trump has licensed his name and image for commercial purposes. In 2022 and 2023, he collaborated with NFT INT LLC to produce and sell NFT trading cards. Trump’s foray into sneakers demonstrates his ability to adapt to current trends and capitalize on popular culture.
Sneaker Con, the venue where Trump unveiled his collection, has become a prominent event within the sneaker culture that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Signature shoes are no longer limited to athletes, with musicians, actors, and even politicians now being considered “sneakerheads.” In fact, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., is known to own around 150 pairs of collectible sneakers.
While it is uncommon to see sneakers associated directly with politicians, there are a few exceptions. Former President Barack Obama has a limited-edition pair of Nikes, and Under Armour created a pair for him featuring the presidential logo, which was worn by basketball star Steph Curry.
Trump’s entrance into the sneaker market adds another layer of diversity to the world of branded footwear. Whether his line of sneakers will find success remains to be seen, but it’s clear that he is determined to explore new avenues and leave his mark on popular culture once again.
