Melania Trump's Favorite Shoe Brands Are Another Reminder Of Her Expensive Taste

Melania Trump is a woman of many firsts: a first lady of the United States (twice), the first Slovenian-born first lady, and the first former fashion model to be married to the POTUS. While she hasn't walked a runway for a while, Melania Trump's style transformation — said to be inspired by Sophia Loren — has carried through the seasons of her life. More than 25 years after first arriving in the U.S. to work for Paolo Zampolli's modeling agency, she still dresses like a fashionista, particularly in the footwear department. Her shoe collection is extensive, but eagle-eyed fans (and critics) have noted that there are a few brands that keep reappearing among her go-to choices — and, to put it lightly, they aren't cheap.

Carrie Bradshaw would certainly approve of Melania's affinity for Manolo Blahnik, which she has been spotted in time and time again throughout her reign as FLOTUS — and which typically go for more than $1,000 a pair. For instance, the mother of one wore Manolos during a New York City Stock Exchange visit in December 2024, and she also rocked the brand to a campaign rally in October that year. Her love of the Spanish designer's shoes has even landed her in trouble in the past; back in 2017, she opted for sky-high Manolos to board a plane that would take her to hurricane-devastated Texas, which critics noted was an inappropriate choice. "Yes, I think probably she could have worn Hunter boots but she was wearing what she was wearing," Blahnik told Harpers Bazaar UK afterward (via Cosmopolitan). 

It looks like the bad press didn't sour Melania's relationship with the iconic shoe brand, but even if it had, her closet is sprawling with other high-end names, from Christian Louboutin to Chanel. If one of these costly brands were to blacklist the FLOTUS (which wouldn't mark the first time a designer has refused to work with her), she'd have plenty of luxe backups. 

Along with Manolo Blahnik, Melania Trump is also a clear fan of red-soled Christian Louboutins, which typically retail for around $1,000 a pair. In March 2024, she was seen wearing a pair in Florida, and then in July, she wore them on the campaign trail in Milwaukee. The FLOTUS also calls upon the French brand when she's in need of simple flats, as we saw in New York City in June 2023. Speaking of flats, Melania was also spotted in another high-end French brand — the one and only Chanel — that June, wearing an iconic pair of two-tone capped ballet flats, perhaps inspired by the aesthetic of Princess Diana. When it comes to other flat shoes, particularly sneakers, Melania's been known to wear more down-to-earth brands, including Converse, Adidas, and Nike. 

Fast-forward to Easter 2025, and the first lady went with a pair of Roger Vivier's Trompette Pumps in patent gray, which can be yours for $890. The heels may have been dressier than what most would wear for their annual Easter egg hunt, but as Donald Trump noted when Melania received backlash for her Manolos in 2017, the formal shoes meant that Melania was "dressed appropriately for the White House" (via CNN). While clearly being a supporter of Melania's right to high heels, the president did acknowledge that all that style must come at another kind of price following his 2025 inauguration. "Her feet are absolutely aching, you know those heels," he told the press (via Forbes). Once again, Melania opted for a lofty pair of Manolo Blahniks for the occasion; we noted a few worst-dressed attendees at the Trump inauguration, but it wasn't the former model's stylish shoes that landed her on our list. As the FLOTUS continues to reach for these brands, we're sure Melania Trump's collection of expensive outfits will continue to grow.