Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently found himself at the center of a controversy surrounding his choice of footwear.[0] Rumors have circulated on social media that DeSantis wears hidden lifts in his cowboy boots to make himself appear taller than he actually is. While the governor vehemently denies these claims, three expert shoemakers have come forward to support the rumors, suggesting that DeSantis does indeed wear concealed lifts in his boots.
The controversy began when DeSantis appeared on conservative Patrick Bet-David’s podcast, where he was shown a viral clip of his recent appearance on Real Time With Bill Maher.[1] In the clip, social media users speculated about his boots harboring hidden features that would increase his height. DeSantis denied these claims, stating that his boots are just standard, off-the-rack Lucchese boots.[2]
However, shoemakers Nicholas Templeman, Graham Ebner, and Zephan Parker have all examined photos of DeSantis wearing his boots and have provided their expert opinions on the matter. Templeman noted that the ankle of DeSantis appears to be positioned higher than it should be, while Ebner pointed out that the toe spring of the boots is much more pronounced than normal, suggesting that the toes are too far back in the boot. Parker observed that the tops of the boots push against DeSantis’ trouser legs, indicating that the boots are larger than intended, possibly to accommodate lifts.
These expert opinions lend credibility to the rumors that DeSantis wears concealed lifts in his boots. Parker, who has made height-increasing cowboy boots for other politicians, stated that he has helped many politicians with their lifts, including DeSantis.[1] He firmly believes that DeSantis is wearing lifts and that there is no doubt about it.[0]
DeSantis, however, continues to deny these claims.[0] When Bet-David questioned him about his height, DeSantis stated that he is 5-foot-11 and refused to put on a pair of Ferragamo shoes to prove it.[3] He also declined the gift of the shoes, stating that he does not accept gifts.[0]
The controversy surrounding DeSantis’ height may seem trivial, but it is not uncommon for taller candidates to have an advantage in general elections. Height has been shown to influence voter perceptions, with taller candidates often being seen as more competent and capable. DeSantis, who is vying for the Republican nomination for president in 2024, may be concerned about how his height could impact his chances in the election.
While DeSantis’ campaign and press secretary have dismissed the claims as baseless and criticized the media for running a “hit piece,” the opinions of the expert shoemakers add weight to the allegations. Whether or not DeSantis wears concealed lifts in his boots may never be proven definitively, but the controversy surrounding his footwear choices continues to spark debate and speculation.
0. “Ron DeSantis denies claims he wears lifts in his boots, sparks meme fest online” Hindustan Times, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/ron-desantis-denies-claims-he-wears-lifts-in-his-boots-sparks-memefest-online-101698748471847.html
1. “DeSantis insists he doesn’t wear high heels as campaign struggles to fight off attacks on his height” Colorado Springs Gazette, 31 Oct. 2023, https://gazette.com/news/wex/desantis-insists-he-doesnt-wear-high-heels-as-campaign-struggles-to-fight-off-attacks-on/article_f91a21c3-891b-57ef-a1fe-318ed21a697f.html
2. “Ron DeSantis Is Almost Definitely Wearing Lifts in His Boots” New York Magazine, 31 Oct. 2023, https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/10/ron-desantis-is-almost-definitely-wearing-lifts-in-his-boots.html
3. “Ron DeSantis Turns Down Chance To Squash Lifted Shoe Speculation” HuffPost UK, 31 Oct. 2023, https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ron-desantis-turns-down-chance-to-squash-shoe-speculation_uk_6540bba8e4b0ae2dc0b509a9
