Joe Biden Swaps Hoka Shoes for Cole Haan Brogue Oxfords at White House

President Joe Biden opted for comfort and style in a pair of Cole Haan shoes on Thursday while he was disembarking Air Force One on the White House lawn in Washington, D.C. Biden was returning from a three-day campaign trip in Nevada, Arizona and Texas.

Biden tends to be more formal when it comes to shoes but often prizes comfort. Last week, he went viral for wearing black Hoka Transport shoes which feature a cushioned footbed. He’s also worn Sketchers Slip-in sneakers, which are similarly cushioned, in the past.

On Thursday, Biden was returning from a campaign trip. He is campaigning to be re-elected for a second term as president.

About the shoes

Cole Haan’s Zerøgrand leather wingtip brogue oxfords provide the dapper appeal traditionally expected from a suit with the comfort of a sneaker. The shoe features a rubber outsole, EVA midsole and proprietary technology that is aimed at making the style flexible, light and comfortable. The sole also features break-and-flex grooves that increase its flexibility.

The upper of the style features classic brogue detailing with decorative stitching.

The Brogue: A Brief History

The brogue style traces back to Scotland and Ireland which proves coincidental for Biden. Biden and former president Barack Obama both trace parts of their ancestry back to Irish shoemakers.

Brogues are known for their distinctive perforations on the upper, which originally not only allowed for ventilation but also allowed water to drain out of the shoes while traveling across marshes. Over the years, this function took a backseat and became a decorative design before the shoe was installed as a staple in men’s formalwear.