It’s gotta be the shoes.
President Biden’s new footwear has fed rumors that the 81-year-old incumbent needs extra stability following a series of falls and stumbles.
Biden has recently been photographed sporting a black pair of Hoka Transport sneakers with his formal suits rather than more traditional dress shoes.
The Hokas are meant for “hiking,” “walking” and “lifestyle” and feature a “quick-toggle lace … designed for easy on and off,” according to the product website — which offers the shoes for between $150 and $200 per pair and also advertises “neutral” stability for wearers who want “a symmetrical bed of cushion.”
The sneakers also boast a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Association as being good for foot health, a benefit which could come in handy for Biden after his recent physical revealed he suffers from a “stiffened gait.”
Eagle-eyed observers first noticed the new shoes in late February, about the same time the president received his annual exam.
Social media users have been quick to wonder if the sneakers were prescribed to mitigate the president’s several falls.
Biden has especially struggled going up and down the steps of Air Force One, repeatedly slipping and stumbling while ascending to and descending from his official plane.
After a series of near-pratfalls, the president has opted to use retractable stairs at the back of the plane for boarding — rather than the regular longer steps at the front of the aircraft.
Biden’s slips culminated in an ugly tumble at the Air Force Academy commencement exercises in June last year, in which he tripped on a sandbag and fell heavily to the stage.
Politico first reported on Biden’s increasing use of tennis shoes back in January, citing a source close to the president who said Biden used to “resist” wearing the casual shoes because he was concerned about not looking presidential enough — but eventually conceded for reasons of comfort.
White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates claimed Wednesday that Biden uses the active footwear to help him stay fit.
“I know y’all aren’t partial to presidents who exercise, but don’t worry — you’ll get used to it,” Bates told The Post, apparently alluding to former President Donald Trump.
Biden participates in physical therapy to increase his “core stability” at least “four to five times a week,” according to the report from his annual physical.
