Florida Governor Ron DeSantis‘ cowboy boots have become the subject of social media speculation recently. Some users suggest that the governor might be wearing height-enhancing insoles.
What Happened: Three expert shoemakers told Politico that the speculation might be valid. They cited certain anomalies in DeSantis’ boots that suggest the use of height-boosting insoles.
Zephan Parker, a bespoke bootmaker who has made height-increasing cowboy boots for a number of Texan politicians, said, "I've dealt with these politicians many times."
"I've helped them with their lifts. [DeSantis] is wearing lifts; there's no doubt."
See Also: Ron DeSantis Campaign Shifts Strategy to Address Concerns of High Burn Rate Among Donors
He pointed out the shorter heels on DeSantis’ boots and the boots’ tops pushing against his trouser legs at his Tampa campaign event, suggesting a larger size to accommodate lifts.
"He looks like he's wearing trousers with an eight-inch opening," the bootmaker said, adding "the boots are bigger than intended, probably to accommodate his lifts."
Other shoe experts, including Graham Ebner, an Austin-based cowboy bootmaker, and Nicholas Templeman, a London-based shoemaker, also noted indicators suggesting the use of lifts. Each expert estimated the lifts to be about 1.5" high.
"Three things stick out to me," Ebner said. "The instep, the toe spring, and where the ball of his foot is sitting in the boots."
Why It Matters: DeSantis’ campaign, however, has denied the allegations. In response to the speculation, the governor expressed that his boots are "just standard, off-the-rack Lucchese boots."
DeSantis' press secretary, Bryan Griffin, in a statement to Politico, said, "Considering the fact that Politico Magazine admittedly spent money to consult ‘boot experts' to run this hit piece on DeSantis tells you all you need to know about their ‘journalism.' The governor doesn't pad his boots, but if he ever needed anything to line a pet cage or fold up and wedge under a table leg, that would be the highest and best use for Politico Magazine."
As excerpts from the podcast gained popularity on social media, users transformed various platforms into a meme-filled extravaganza.
"He was afraid he might have to take [his] lift boots off."
Another wrote, "Now that damn funny."
"Haha – DeSantis didn’t want to expose his true height of 4’10”," yet another user quipped.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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