Donald Trump Launches $399 Branded Sneakers Following Judge's $355M Settlement Order
Following a $355 million fine from a New York judge in a fraud trial, former President Donald Trump, planning to appeal, unveils a $399 sneaker line at Philadelphia's Sneaker Con the next day. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump made headlines on Saturday as he launched his own line of sneakers, aptly named "Trump Sneakers," just a day after a New York judge ordered him and his companies to pay nearly $355 million in a civil fraud trial.

The high-profile unveiling took place at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, where Trump introduced the "Never Surrender High-Top Sneaker," priced at $399, according to CNN.

In a brief address to the crowd, Trump expressed confidence in the success of his venture.

"This is something I've been talking about for 12 years, 13 years, and I think it's going to be a big success," Trump said.

Despite being met with a divided audience, with some chanting for and others booing at him, the $399 Trump sneakers quickly sold out online, with 1,000 pairs initially available for purchase.

The product lineup includes two other sneaker options featuring "T" and "45" on the sides, priced at $199 each, along with cologne and perfume at $99 each.

The official website clarifies that these products are trademarks of CIC Ventures LLC, with 45Footwear, LLC utilizing the Trump name, image, and likeness under a license agreement.

Donald Trump Faces Divided Audience at Sneaker Con

During his appearance at Sneaker Con, Trump faced a diverse and sometimes boisterous crowd in a city known for its Democratic leanings, ABC News noted.

The former president struggled to make himself heard over the chants and occasional disruptions, with the crowd expressing both support and opposition.

"This is a slightly different audience than I'm used to, but I love this audience," Donald Trump humorously noted, acknowledging the unique audience.

Donald Trump tries to shift focus at a sneaker event in Philadelphia, bringing a supporter on stage who praises him as a Christian family man.

The woman urges people to vote for Trump, facing a mix of boos and cheers. Trump acknowledges the diverse subject matter ahead, hinting at a Michigan visit.

Despite the challenges, he continued with his pitch, emphasizing the importance of voting and encouraging young people to participate in the electoral process.

Notably, a Biden campaign spokesman criticized Trump's presence at Sneaker Con, characterizing his shoes as knock-off copies of popular brands.

The event marked Trump's first public appearance since recent legal setbacks, including a New York judge setting a March 25 start date for his criminal trial in a hush-money case.

Legal Woes Continue Amid Donald Trump Sneaker Launch

Amid the Trump sneakers launch, the former president faces ongoing legal challenges, including a New York judge's order for him and his companies to pay nearly $355 million for inflating property values.

This follows an $83 million judgment in a defamation case brought by author E. Jean Carroll.

Combined, these penalties amount to approximately $438 million within the past four weeks, UPI reports.

Despite these legal troubles, Trump continues to engage in money-making ventures.

Last year, he reported earnings between $100,000 and $1 million from digital trading cards depicting cartoon-like images of himself, as per the Associated Press.

The former president has also released books featuring photos from his time in office and letters written to him over the years.

Donald Trump's visit to Michigan, following the Sneaker Con appearance, precedes the state's Republican primary, a crucial contest before the GOP nominating process expands to over two dozen states in March.

As the 2024 Republican front-runner navigates legal challenges and business ventures, his political trajectory remains a focal point of national attention.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Trump unveils $399 branded shoes at 'Sneaker Con' - From Associated Press