Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have found at least one thing they can agree on: sneakers.
Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R.-Ore.) launched the Congressional Sneaker Caucus last week as a group of bipartisan lawmakers and staff who share a passion for sneakers and their impact on American culture and fitness.
According to a press release, the idea is to use sneakers as a means for its members to find common ground and help foster cooperation in Congress. The caucus will also organize community events and social gatherings with hopes of drawing Republicans and Democrats alike.
“The sneakers I wear across the Capitol are routinely a starting point for conversation with my colleagues,” Moskowitz said in a release. “That’s exactly why I launched this Caucus — to use sneakers to promote social interaction between Members of Congress and their staff.”
Chavez-DeRemer added: “I’m excited to join Congressman Moskowitz to launch the bipartisan Sneaker Caucus. From expressing style to demonstrating athleticism and innovation, sneakers are a fun part of our culture. It will be a light-hearted way to build relationships with other members of Congress and our constituents.”
Both Moskowitz, 42, and Chavez-DeRemer, 55, are in their first terms in the House, having been elected in 2022. In a tweet announcing the caucus, Moskowitz can be seen wearing the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High University Blue. On his Instagram, you can also spot him wearing pairs, including the Union x Air Jordan 4 Guava Ice, Nike Terminator High Noble Green, and DJ Khaled x Air Jordan 5 We the Best Sail.
Moskowitz even wore the latter pair for a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony in Florida after the official proceedings in Washington D.C. His two sons also joined him in wearing Air Jordans for the occasion.
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, a trade association that represents more than 95 percent of the industry, has endorsed the caucus, with CEO Matt Priest saying in a release that he “applauds” the formation. “Shoes impact every single American individual and family no matter their background,” Priest said. “There are so many things that seem to divide us as a country right now, but sneakers bring people together.”
Given that the Congressional Sneaker Caucus is more social than anything, don’t expect it to help weed out the bots that get in your way of copping. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Ian Servantes is a writer and editor based out of Brooklyn. He's previously covered fashion, sneakers, and pop culture for outlets including Input, Highsnobiety, and Complex.
