 "President Joe Biden delivers remarks during a St. Patrick's Day brunch with Catholic leaders in the East Room of the White House. AP")
It appears that the hunt for perfect sole-mates for US President Joe Biden, who has had a history of trips and falls, may have concluded with a new pair of “lifestyle sneakers.”
The 81-year-old was seen last month leaving the White House to board Marine One while sporting thick-soled all-black sneakers with his blue suit, as per The Independent.
The shoes are quite “commuter-friendly,” according to shoe manufacturer Hoka.
Nevertheless, there are rumours that Biden purposefully chose his shoes to avoid falls, resulting in discussions about his physical capabilities and well-being.
Here’s all we know about it.
Biden’s new ‘maximum stability’ shoes
According to an Inside Edition report, Biden has been spotted wearing Hoka Transport sneakers for the past month.
The report notes that the shoes are “designed for maximum comfort and support while walking or hiking.”
Although the Hoka shoe firm was established in France, its global headquarters are currently based in the US. Their main production locations for shoes are China and Vietnam.
The Hoka Transport webpage says the sneaker’s “stability” is “neutral” as compared to “moderate or stable.” The pulley mechanism in the laces of the commuter-friendly sneakers allows users to tie their shoes without having to go through the hassle.
“The Transport features a symmetrical bed of cushion without additional prescriptive technologies. Designed to provide the support you want and nothing you don’t,’ reads a description of the sneaker’s features.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe Hoka shoe appears to be primarily intended for city walking.
According to Dailymail, the website notes, “Conceived at the intersection of lifestyle and performance, this commuter-friendly style offers a multitude of sustainability features across the outsole, midsole, and upper. Designed with the city dweller in mind.”
Last month, the $150-black sneakers caught the attention of onlookers; CBS Inside Edition host Les Trent even went to a shoe store to test the Hoka sneaker.
“As you can see, they look quite comfortable,’ he said with the shoe now on his foot. ‘They have quite a wide sole – no doubt, great for stability.”
“And the President does have a history of stumbling,” the host noted.
The Opposition’s dig
Under new leadership linked with former President Donald Trump, the Republican National Committee (RNC) seized on the reports, posting a video of it to the RNC Research social media over the weekend.
“Biden’s handlers are forcing him to wear a new pair of ’lifestyle sneakers’ because he trips so much,” the account wrote in a post on X.
Another user joked that the shoes were “Air Bidens.”
“I started wearing Hoka due to an injury that screwed up my legs. They are actually very good shoes. I don’t necessarily want to see the president wearing them though,” a third person noted.
Biden’s history of stumbling
President Biden has had a history of slips, trips, and falls.
He nearly fell last month while climbing the stairs to board Air Force One. The president was able to grab himself on the handrail at that time and proceed with his ascent.
At the 2023 Air Force Academy graduating, Biden not only stumbled when ascending stairs but also fell to his knees while standing on stage, as per India Today.
According to The Independent, in 2021, the 81-year-old was also observed falling several times when she climbed the stairs of Air Force One, which led the White House staff to put up shorter stairs on the plane.
The Secret Service now places an agent at the foot of the stairs as Biden disembarks the plane, according to a February New York Times report.
His health condition
Podiatrist Gabrelle Laurenti, who was interviewed for the report, provided insight into Biden’s latest physical checkup, revealing that he suffers from sensory peripheral neuropathy in his feet, a disorder linked to nerve damage.
According to Fox News, the report quoted her as saying that “the shoe bears the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Association for being beneficial to foot health.
As the November 2024 election draws near, suspicion over Biden’s weakening health and fitness for office has grown due to his repeated falls over the past few years.
According to a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll, 86 per cent of Americans think he is too old to serve another term.
With inputs from agencies