Donald Trump's Gold Sneakers Get Fashion Verdict: 'Lack of Taste'

Former President Donald Trump is known for many things, but perhaps one thing he isn't normally associated with is an eye for fashion. Regularly pictured at events wearing his signature blue suit and red tie, you'd be forgiven for thinking he doesn't take many fashion risks.

But as Newsweek previously reported, the 77-year-old frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination was seen attending "Sneaker Con" on Saturday to launch his custom, Trump-branded sneakers.

The shoes, known as the "Never Surrender High-Tops" are listed for $399 on a new website that also sells other Trump-branded items, including cologne and perfume. The metallic gold sneakers are certainly eye-catching, with the website describing them as "bold, gold, and tough, just like President Trump."

Newsweek reached out to Donald Trump's team for comment via email and website outside of normal business hours.

Mere hours after they were released, it was announced that the first run of shoes had already sold out. With buyers clearly keen to get their hands—or feet—on a pair, what do fashion experts make of the style? Newsweek spoke to three fashion experts to get their take on the new design.

They May Be Bold—But Are They Too Expensive?

As an interior designer, beauty expert, and style blogger, Houna Bech often reviews the latest styles and trends, and she's never afraid to provide her honest opinion. After seeing pictures of the "Never Surrender High-Tops," Bech appreciates the boldness of the design, but she she thinks the hefty price tag is a huge drawback.

She told Newsweek: "Trump trying to sell sneakers is unexpected. The shoe business is very competitive, so it will be interesting to see how he does. I have to say the design certainly stands out, but from my experience, the shoes seem to lack some refinement and innovation that truly popular brands deliver.

"The high price tag could also limit interest since the sneakers don't seem to match the quality or features of competitors at that level."

Bech, who regularly shares her styling tips on her blog With Houna, says that some people might regard the shoes as "a daring first," but she thinks they're more of a short-term novelty. Bech doesn't envision the gold sneakers taking over the fashion world anytime soon because she doesn't think they resonate with any specific consumers, however she is "curious to see" how it plays out.

"The unusual design and connection to Donald Trump make them appear more like a conversation piece than the next must-have trend.

"I believe the buzz stems more from their surprising backstory than true style value. But I'm open to changing my view if consumers embrace them beyond initial intrigue," she told Newsweek.

There's Plenty of Appeal Now, but Are They Just a Novelty?

As a keen sneaker enthusiast, Anh Nguyen is always on the lookout for new pairs to add to his collection, but this new release from Trump was wholly unexpected. At first glance, Nguyen tells Newsweek that he "was intrigued" by the shiny and bold design, which he likens to the former president's overall persona.

He explains that part of the appeal will be the idea that they're a limited edition—once they're gone, they're gone for good—but how will they compare to the likes of Adidas, Nike, Puma and Jordan, which are among the most popular sneaker brands in the U.S.

"Given the sneakers' cost and scarce availability, enthusiasts are surely eager to acquire them, as the allure of exclusivity appeals greatly to collectors," he continued. "But speaking as an active member of sneaker culture, this release feels inorganic. In the long run, I doubt these will be grails.

"Trump's reputation may create hype at first, but it also limits the wider appeal. And the shoes themselves seem more kitschy than well-designed. At the end of the day, sneaker greatness requires substance over chasing trends."

While other brands have created their own unique selling points to make them a must-have, Nguyen suggests that the "Never Surrender" sneakers are relying solely on the link with Trump.

The product analyst and developer hasn't written the shoes off yet completely, especially as they already sold out in the opening weekend.

He doesn't deny that there's an appetite for them now, but he thinks they "will remain a novelty, rather than become an icon."

It's Difficult to Predict How Successful They Will Be

The flashy sneakers also captured the attention of fashion consultant Alison Lowe, a course leader in fashion entrepreneurship at the University of East London. She hasn't been won over though, as Lowe calls the shoes "a gaudy emblem of excess and lack of taste," but she says that's precisely the point of them, as the more eye-catching they are, the more attention they generate.

"It is very difficult to separate the sneaker from his public persona, but as Trump has always courted attention and controversy, he has succeeded in generating curiosity, buzz and interest in the sneakers, which means it makes it more challenging to predict their success," Lowe told Newsweek.

This is why she feels that Trump's character will have "a significant impact" on how well the sneakers do, because many of his supporters will regard them as "a bold fashion statement" and happily wear them (if they can get their hands on them, that is). But safe to say, she won't be waiting in line to buy them herself.

So, while most shoe lovers will use any excuse to buy another pair—you really never can have too many pairs—evidently the bright gold sneakers aren't to everyone's liking. Given what the fashionistas think, we're more likely to see the man himself sporting these on an airport runway, rather than any fashion runways.