Usha Vance’s Opinion on This Shoe Trend Could Be Her Most Significant Fashion Misstep

It can’t be easy dressing for life on the global stage. In a single day, Usha Vance may have to go from a diplomatic brunch or state funeral to an international flight, all while wrangling three small children. Unfortunately, tapping into the versatility of white tennis shoes hasn’t been the sartorial shortcut she probably envisioned. For instance, outlets dinged Usha Vance’s “senior citizen sneakers” during an April 2025 trip to Italy, where she unwisely paired them with a dark-blue trench while sightseeing. Vance also drew critiques when she wore blazing-white sneakers (perhaps even the very same pair) while welcoming the Ohio State University Buckeyes to the White House.

This was a slightly better iteration of the look — the shoes were somewhat balanced by her white blazer, providing a touch more cohesiveness — but Vance’s sneakers still didn’t hit the mark. It may have been a sports-centric event, but it was still a presidential reception, and a little more refinement would have been appreciated. Moreover, photos show that other guests wore loafers and heels, making her white sneakers feel overly casual and out of place. At least no one on Instagram attacked her shoes — they were all too busy spamming the comment section with “Meow” in protest to her husband’s polarizing comments about “childless cat ladies.”

We appreciate Usha Vance’s urge to dress her sneakers up a bit — she’s now a national figure, after all. But so far, the styles she’s been mixing and matching haven’t really gelled. Choosing a chunky silhouette makes her stark-white shoes a glaring focal point that seems to fight with Vance’s formalwear, confusing the whole aesthetic. Is she dressing down? Dressing up? Who can say?

If she is truly committed to wearing sneakers — which we can certainly respect as a practical choice while mingling for hours or trekking around the uneven streets of Rome — then a sleeker style would do her some good. For instance, we’re seeing the shoe hybrid known as sneakerinas everywhere in 2025. This footwear, which puts a pointe-shoe twist on typical tennies, has a more streamlined profile that would mesh better with Vance’s second-lady wardrobe.

Better yet, Vance could bypass athleisure vibes altogether and get herself a pair of comfortable yet elegant flats. Almond-toe flats are a comfy substitute for heels this year, and they pair equally well with jeans, slacks, or skirts. Pristine white would be a great choice for fresh, summery ensembles, or she could choose a softer off-white or cream for a chic, vintage sensibility.