By: Kevin Fernandez, Enrique Rodriguez, Wendy Rosales
February 28, 2024
PENNSYLVANIA-
Former President Donald Trump shocked the sneaker community with a surprising business venture in Philadelphia. Trump is aiming to gain attention as he hopes to run for the Republican presidential nomination. As a way to create buzz, he premiered the launch of his new shoe at “Sneaker Con,” also known as “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth.”
When Trump appeared and arrived at the Philadelphia Convention Center, he was received with a mixed audience. Many cheered but also booed. The former president premiered his “special shoes” which are shiny gold high tops with an American flag on them. They’re called “Never Surrender High-Tops” and cost roughly $399 and the laceless shoes will be available in red and white and cost $199. Trump also is selling on his website a “Victory47” cologne and perfume for $99 each which is him hinting a winning the next election since he’d be the 47th president.
Even though the website selling Trump’s merchandise says it’s not linked to his campaign, Trump’s campaign people still talked about his appearance online which is why he is using a unique way of creating buzz. The surprising thing was that Trump launched his sneakers just after a judge in New York said he had to pay a huge $355 million in penalty. The judge ruled out that Trump had been lying about how much money he had for years to trick banks and other people, which led to the ban of him being able to do business in New York. That’s the main reason these shoes were premiered in Philadelphia instead of New York, this loophole to his business strategies.
Fox News pundit says that Black people will vote for Trump because “they love sneakers.” and that will be likely now because they love sneakers. This racist statement is a false narrative and a terrible statement to say. You have notable celebrity figures such as veteran rapper Fat Joe wearing out the shoes saying “Now, me as a sneaker collector,” he continued. “I had to get my hands on the Trumps. Doesn’t matter…Listen, I have thousands of pairs of sneakers.”
This makes one think will the Trump sneakers be the next moment in fashion for the sneaker community and who else will be influenced to wear these shoes. Trump is unpredictable and spontaneous; he is known for chaotic business ventures. Will see what Trump does next to keep up hype surrounding his campaign.
