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Ron DeSantis trolled as photo of his awkward boots during campaigning sparks rumors about 'hidden heels'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' height has long been speculated, with people claiming that he uses platform lifts to appear taller and more formidable

WASHINGTON, DC: Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ height and his famous cowboy boots are once again at the center of attention as a viral post is gaining traction on the Internet. 

"What — and i cannot emphasize this enough — are thooooooose," asked a flabbergasted netizen in a post containing images of Ron sporting a pair of black shoes that appeared a bit weird. 

Why are Ron DeSantis’ boots famous?

Ron DeSantis’ height has been the point of contention for a long time, with claims of him standing between 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) and 5 ft 11 in (180 cm), and a theory has been long making the rounds about him secretly wearing high-heeled boots to appear taller.

DeSantis has been campaigning to become USA's next president. Per Slate, the average height of a US president is approximately two inches shorter than an average American man, who stands at 5 ft 9 in (175 cm). The outlet also revealed that in the last 130 years, all the presidents have been taller than the average American man. 

Starting from Jimmy Carter (5 ft 9.5 in or 176.5 cm), all the presidents have apparently been 5 ft 11.5 in (181.6 cm) or taller.

"Taller people are also perceived as more competent, authoritative, intelligent, dominant, and having better leadership qualities," states the National Library of Medicine. Thus people started putting forward the theory that in order to get a more authoritative perception, the 2024 presidential candidate might have resorted to using hidden heels.

One former staffer told Vanity Fair in September 2022 that Ron's wife, Casey DeSantis, apparently made sure that he wore the boots to create an image.

The staffer said, "She bought him these dumbass cowboy boots because she thought it was part of the image."

How tall is Ron DeSantis?

The website, Celebrity Heights, claims Ron DeSantis stands tall at 5 ft 11 in (180 cm). According to a law school associate, he falls somewhere between 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) and 5 ft 8 in (172.7 cm)

On the other hand, another source states Ron DeSantis' height to be 5 ft 9 in (175 cm). 

Netizens troll Ron DeSantis over his choice of 'high-heeled' footwear

Needless to say, as soon as the picture of DeSantis wearing supposed heels was posted on X (formerly Twitter) the Internet was ready with their theories. 

One keen observer wrote, "Exactly what I was seeing. This crease in the leather would be found at the ball of the foot, not at the instep. Your foot doesn’t bend there," with another noting, "Those are Prada."

"Hidden heels," remarked someone else. 

One stated, "I admit, if I didn't have such a bad back now (wore heels most of my working life), I would definitely wear these. I mean, 4'11 & 3/4th" I need help, sometimes."

"Does he even have toes," asked a user.

The netizens also came up with several theories taking references from pop culture. One of them said, "He got them Wicked Witch 100s on." 

"Looks like the Road Runner just dropped an anvil on his feet," stated another. 

Another social media user highlighted the similarity of the much-hyped shoes with "Elf shoes," saying, "You've never seen elf shoes?"

Someone pointed out, "Those are lifts! His toes only reach half way down the shoe!"

"They’re bending because his toes aren’t in there," explained a netizen. 

Another expressed, "There's no part of his foot in the front third of the shoe because there are lifts inside of them to further increase his height. Basically a set of high heels inside of those; there's no weight/pressure to hold the front down. lol. lmao."