Fashion Faux Pas: UK Prime Minister Sparks Controversy with Classic Sneaker Choice

Editor’s Note: Welcome to ‘Look of the Week’, a series where we discuss the most talked about outfit of the last seven days. Today, we’re diving into the rise and fall of the iconic Adidas Sambas.

Once a beloved shoe worn by celebrities like Harry Styles, Kaia Gerber, Bella Hadid, Paul Mescal, and Rihanna, the 1950s three-striped sneaker is now facing a decline. The reason? UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was recently spotted sporting a pair, signaling a potential end to its popularity.

In an Instagram video posted Friday, Sunak’s explanation of his Conservative government’s latest tax and childcare policies was somewhat overshadowed by his choice of casual shoes. Comments poured in, with one saying, "The sambas, guess he’s one of us now," and another sarcastically noting, "His trainers really helped (the video) become easily understandable and relatable for me." The British press also criticized his attempt at appearing relatable, with journalist Michael Hogan from The Guardian stating, “Yet another try-hard bid to appear relatable has backfired,” and British GQ adding, “In a bid to present himself as young and hip… Sunak took an eternally cool sneaker, and ruined it for everyone.”

It’s interesting to compare this reaction to the one another political leader received after being seen in sneakers. In the summer of 2019, former president Barack Obama wore a pair of box-fresh Stan Smiths at an Obama Foundation event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The internet responded with admiration, praising the look as tasteful, playful, and on-point.

Kamala Harris hit the 2020 campaign trail wearing a variety of Converse sneakers, including Chuck Taylors in leather and canvas, All Stars, and even high tops with badges. She was praised for boldly breaking the traditional rules of political attire.

When former US president Barack Obama wore Stan Smiths at an event in Kuala Lumpur in 2019, his casual style was praised as on-trend and refreshing.

When former US president Barack Obama wore Stan Smiths at an event in Kuala Lumpur in 2019, his casual style was praised as on-trend and refreshing.

Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images

Sunak's Sambas are not resonating in the same way. Context plays a significant role. During his time as president, Obama had a conservative style, sticking to traditional suits favored by past presidents like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Obama was known for his simple, dark suits and formal lace-up shoes. The only notable fashion blunder was the "Tan Suit Gate," which was never repeated. His sneaker phase only began years after leaving office.

Similarly, Harris carefully chose to wear her Chucks only on specific occasions, such as when traveling or on the campaign trail, but rarely in the White House. She maintained a sense of respect for the dress code and professionalism, which the public values, as seen on social media. Last summer, when Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were photographed in the Oval Office wearing hybrid dress sneakers (brogues with a rubber sole or leather gym shoes), the reaction was similar to the backlash faced by Sunak.

Zoey Grossman/Reformation

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While many politicians have showcased their sneaker collections, Donald Trump stands out as the first former president to take advantage of this growing trend. In February, just a day after being instructed by a judge to pay nearly $355 million in his New York civil fraud trial, Trump introduced his own sneaker line at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia. The main design featured a gold high-top shoe with a white and red sole, an American flag, and an embossed ‘T’ on the side. Named the “NEVER SURRENDER HIGH-TOP SNEAKER,” it is priced at $399.

The buzz surrounding Sunak's sneakers may not just be due to the fact that it's hard to imagine the wealthiest Prime Minister in British history wearing relatively modest $100 shoes - although that certainly doesn't help. It may have more to do with the timing of when he wore them. The sambas seemed to be a clear attempt at signaling through dressing, if not a potential distraction from the politics of his interview. Even the most devoted sneaker enthusiasts understand that there is a time and place for a gum sole, and the British public has decided that on-camera at 10 Downing Street is not one of them.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the fascinating phenomenon of how a once-iconic sneaker, the Adidas Sambas, has faced a decline in popularity due to its association with a political figure. While the reasons behind this shift are complex, it is clear that context and timing play a crucial role in shaping the public's perception of fashion choices.

It is intriguing to observe the contrasting reactions to different politicians wearing sneakers. While Obama and Harris were praised for their stylish and appropriate use of casual footwear, Sunak's choice of Sambas was met with criticism. This suggests that the public's expectations of politicians' attire may vary depending on their personal style and the overall political climate. Additionally, it raises questions about the extent to which fashion can influence public perception and whether there are unspoken rules governing the dress codes of political figures.