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House members and staffers sport sneakers as they head for recess

By Lauren Green July 23, 2025 | updated 2 weeks ago

Representatives dressed up for the third annual Sneaker Day as they head out for a monthlong recess, after a week of political gridlock.

Capitol Hill is often known for its political theatrics and infighting, not for its sense of style, but some members are trying to change that. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) hosted the third annual Sneaker Day in the House, as he has made it one of his missions as a legislator to bring fun shoes into the often politically charged environment.

“There were already a couple people that were wearing sneakers, but it wasn’t necessarily about fashion, and now you can tell it’s about fashion,” Moskowitz told the Washington Examiner. “People are matching their outfits. They’re having sneakers made. They have political statements on their sneakers.”

Moskowitz said sneakers allow staffers and lawmakers to be “individualized,” while fostering a sense of diversity. The Florida Democrat said that, at any point in time, there are “100 members on the floor wearing sneakers on both sides of the aisle.”

“The diversity in the room breaks down barriers,” Moskowitz said.

The event, which took place in the Longworth House Office Building, consisted of two speakers and a setup of sneakers throughout the years. Nike Senior Designer Wilson Smith III gave a presentation on his background and history designing sneakers for Nike, and the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America hosted the event.

“Sneakers is that one really powerful thing, a cultural thing, that brings people together and really unites us,” FDRA President and CEO Matt Priest told the Washington Examiner.

“A staffer just said to me, ‘Sneaker Day on the Hill is my favorite holiday,’ and that encapsulates it perfectly,” Priest later added.

SENATE SEERSUCKER TRADITION FOSTERS BIPARTISANSHIP IN POLARIZING TIMES

The Congressional Sneaker Caucus has expanded as staffers and members have become more comfortable embracing the reality of this new trend in work fashion that invites a fun, lively environment into the workplace.

“Sneaker Day has really changed Capitol Hill,” one House staffer told the Washington Examiner. “Before it started, I would have never thought to wear sneakers at work.”

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