Patrick Bet-David, host of the PBD Podcast Show, caught Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis off-guard on October 30 with a question about whether he wore hidden heels in his boots at an event earlier in the month. DeSantis, apparently unaware of a viral video series making its rounds on the internet, denied that he has worn lifts in his shoes.
DeSantis told Bet-David that in the video, he is wearing off-the-shelf Luchesse boots, a high-end cowboy boot maker based in Texas. In a video posted to TikTok, DeSantis can be seen taking the stage at the Heritage Foundation. He appears to walk awkwardly as though hearing high heels. In another post on TikTok, user Spamellina posted a blown-up image of the boots in question adding in a sketch to illustrate how a foot would fit into lifts in the shoes and comparing the boots to women’s wedge-heel shoes.
Even former President Donald Trump, no stranger to poking fun at DeSantis, got in on the joke. Earlier in the month, Trump posted a picture of DeSantis in his boots to Truth Social with the message, “Tell me he’s not wearing hidden heels.”
Despite the online joking, DeSantis was unaware of the controversy until Bet-David brought it up, though it is more likely that the 2024 presidential candidate was hoping to deflate the situation by playing coy. He insisted that he has no need to be taller as he measures 5’11”.
Bet-David doubled down on the prank by calling out DeSantis for never appearing in tennis shoes or regular dress shoes when in public. The host even offered DeSantis a gift of a pair of Ferragamo dress shoes, which DeSantis refused, likely adding fuel to the firestorm.
DeSantis was one of the first candidates to declare for the 2024 presidential election. Despite early indications that he could challenge Trump for the party nomination, his numbers in polling have continued in a downward trend. The candidate recently unleashed an all-in strategy in Iowa in hoope of gaining ground on a surging Trump, but the results are disappointing. Some polls now have former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley tied with DeSantis, but both candidates remain far behind Trump.
Ron Desantis was confronted about whether or not he wore heels hidden within his shoes on Maher. He proceeded to feign ignorance, was offered a new pair of shoes, and then said he can't accept gifts.
The humiliation ritual of Ron never seems to end. 🤣Notice how he how he… pic.twitter.com/f7R5HnTd08
— 🗡️🛡️Sir Rickster🛡️🗡️ (@Rickster_75) October 31, 2023
DeSantis is hoping to improve his favorability with voters in coming weeks, sparing off in a debate with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and appearing at numerous events intended to demonstrate that he is a viable alternative to Trump. Trump holds a commanding lead in polling, but is heavily disliked by a certain segment of Republican voters.
While DeSantis may not need hidden heels to appear taller on stage, his campaign could use some propping up if he is to be a serious challenger in 2024.
