Expensive Shoes Worn by Zahran Mamdani’s Wife Spark Social Media Debate, Claims of Rental Surface
New York: Zahran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic leader, has taken office as mayor of New York City after taking his oath on the Holy Quran. His wife, Rama Duwaji, was present at the inauguration ceremony and quickly became a topic of discussion on social media due to her appearance.
During the ceremony, attention was drawn to Rama Duwaji’s style, outfit, and particularly her footwear. According to reports, she wore “Shiloh Boots” by fashion brand Miista, priced at approximately $630, which sparked widespread debate online.
Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji appears to wear luxury $630 boots to swearing in ceremony https://t.co/ohy0HVeByC pic.twitter.com/W9GuciHdhS
— New York Post (@nypost) January 1, 2026
Some social media users criticized the choice of expensive footwear, calling it contradictory to Mamdani’s campaign narrative that emphasized reducing public spending and lowering the cost of living. Critics argued that such fashion choices send the wrong message at a time when the mayor has pledged to address economic inequality.
However, many users dismissed the criticism as unnecessary, saying that focusing on personal attire rather than policy issues is misplaced. One user commented that socialism does not mean people cannot own nice things, but rather that everyone should have access to good quality living standards.
socialism doesn’t mean you can’t have nice things it means everyone gets nice things you fucking twats https://t.co/vnYgnCyfZP pic.twitter.com/2LxS9PjEYn
— H | HAYLEY WILLIAMS LOVES ME (@decodethemonstr) January 2, 2026
Another user, Julie, said that socialism does not imply women should dress poorly to satisfy a male-defined standard, calling the criticism unwise and sexist. She added that while billionaires continue to exploit the city daily, undue attention is being paid to personal fashion choices instead of larger issues.
Imagine thinking socialism means women must dress poor for the male gaze. This is anti-intellectual, sexist nonsense.
Meanwhile billionaires loot the city daily and you print puff pieces. https://t.co/sMlydXzH0U— Julie (Aakadewin-O Waawaashkeshi Kwe) Francella (@JulieFrancella) January 1, 2026
Amid the debate, a journalist claimed that Rama Duwaji did not purchase the items worn at the inauguration, including the shoes, but had instead rented them for the occasion.
FULL RAMA DUWAJI FASHION CREDITS: vintage Balenciaga coat from Albright Fashion Library + archival earrings from New York Vintage, both rented. Shorts from The Frankie Shop and the Miista boots were ON LOAN from the brand styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. https://t.co/6PmTpTXY3N
— Louis Pisano (@LouisPisano) January 1, 2026
The discussion continues to trend on social media, reflecting broader debates about symbolism, personal choice, and public expectations of political figures and their families.
