February 19, 2024
A Philadelphia-based Russian businessman won an autographed pair of Donald Trump’s new golden sneakers after making a major bid a day after the ex-president of the United States announced its launch on Saturday, the New York Post reported.
Roman Sharf, the owner and chief executive officer of luxury watch dealer, Luxury Bazaar, on Sunday walked away with an autographed pair of Trump’s "Never Surrender" high-tops after placing a winning bid of $9,000 at Philadelphia’s Sneaker Con.
Trump announced the launch of his new shoe line during a surprise appearance at the event on Saturday, a day after a New York judge ordered him to pay $355 million for allegedly inflating his net worth to dupe banks and insurers.
A video shared on social media shows Sharf smiling and speaking to members of the crowd as he showed off the golden sneakers after outbidding other buyers.
The shoes, which feature an American flag detail on the back, cost $399 and are limited to just 1,000 pairs. The sneakers reportedly sold out less than two hours after the launch.
"We are going to have a winning celebration come this November, and I’ll be wearing these one-of-one Donald Trump-signed sneakers," Sharf said after winning, according to Times Now World.
He later shared on social media he plans to eventually pass the shoes down to his children.
"But for now will display in the office," he wrote on X.
Sharf is "one of the world's biggest grey market watch dealers" trading luxury watches without brand authorisation.
His business employs 30 staff members and generates $130 million in annual sales, according to WatchPro.
Trump was met with loud boos and cheers from the crowd when he introduced the shoe line on Saturday.
"I've wanted to do this for a long time," he told the crowd. "I have some incredible people that work with me on things, and they came up with this, and this is something I've been talking about for 12 years, 13 years. I think it’s gonna be a big success."