03-13-2026MARKETING INNOVATION

How ‘Florsheimgate’ became the meme we needed

The president gifting oversize dress shoes to his inner circle is a perfect setup for the funniest brand-politics clash of the Trump era.

[Source Photos: Florsheim and Gage Skidmore/Flickr]

At a time when mainstream brands live in fear of getting dragged into a contentious political landscape, there’s something curiously benign, almost feel-good, about “Florsheimgate.”

If you’ve somehow missed it, this particular instance of an involuntary pop-culture brand cameo came about following press reports this week that President Donald Trump has become an enthusiast—and de facto brand ambassador—for Florsheim dress shoes, gifting pairs to cabinet members and media allies. The........

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