Pope Leo XIV has become an unexpected style icon after a Vatican documentaryclip went viral on social media. The footage shows the pontiff wearing a pair of Nike trainers beneath his traditional white papal robes.
The images have sparked a wave of memes and reactions across platforms such as Instagram and X. Users have dubbed the look "Holy Drip." Others joked that the famous sportswear brand "just got blessed."
The Anatomy of the Shoe
Sneaker enthusiasts and online sleuths worked quickly to identify the exact model. Experts have determined that the shoes are the Nike Franchise Low Plus.
This specific model is a throwback-style tennis lifestyle shoe. It features a white base with a signature black "Swoosh" logo. A key identifying detail for collectors is the "split cupsole" construction on the medial wall, or the inner side of the shoe.
The Nike Franchise Low Plus originally dates back to the 1970s and 1980s. The model was briefly re-released in 2008 but is currently discontinued.
Price and Availability
Because the shoe is no longer in production, it is difficult to find. Before the viral moment, used pairs on secondary markets like eBay were spotted for between $20 and $50 (Ksh 2,583 and Ksh 6,457).
However, the "papal endorsement" has caused interest to surge. Reports indicate that asking prices on resale sites have shot up significantly since the documentary aired.
How to Get the Look
Lifestyle enthusiasts looking to emulate the Pope’s style can find several modern alternatives. The Nike SB Force 58 Premium is considered one of the closest matches in terms of design and retails for approximately $90 (Ksh 11,623).
Other options include the Nike Court Vision Next Nature, which is often priced around $115.
A Chicago-Born Sensibility
The footage is taken from a documentary titled Leone a Roma (Leo in Rome). Produced by Vatican News, the film highlights the life of the Pope during his years in Rome before he was elected as the head of the Catholic Church. The clip resurfaced around the first anniversary of his election.
Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope. Before his ascension, he served in Peru and held senior leadership roles within the Vatican, including oversight of bishop appointments and leadership of the global Augustinian order.
His choice of casual footwear is being seen as a reflection of his approachable and modern image.
