Melania Trump Faces Fresh Scrutiny as Controversial 2017 Fashion Moment Resurfaces After She Pulls Out of China Trip

Melania is known for her love of high heels, but she made the stunning decision to wear flats during her visit to China in November 2017.

The first lady donned a pair of $527 nude Ballalla Nappa Shiny shoes by Christian Louboutin to visit the Great Wall of China. They proved to be a sensible choice for all the walking required to navigate the steep stone steps and sometimes uneven brick pathways.

Despite the lack of glam power in the lightweight, low-cut shoes, Melania paired them with a stylish ensemble of a black turtleneck sweater and a high-waisted cream wool midi skirt with an intricate blush-pink leather belt to accentuate her waistline.

She added a structured black coat draped over her shoulders to tour one of the seven wonders of the world, gushing at the time, "This is beautiful. This is amazing."

As photos of the trip resurfaced, one person complained on X, "Melania trying to look 'relatable' in flats on the Great Wall was such a try-hard moment. Stick to the heels girl."

A second sneered, "Even on the Great Wall she couldn’t fully commit to practical shoes. Those pointed 'flats' still looked uncomfortable. Just wear sneakers like a normal person."

Melania also wore the same chic ensemble with the humble flats to visit the Beijing Zoo earlier in the day. By then, her husband had already departed for Vietnam to continue the diplomatic tour, leaving the first lady behind for a solo cultural outing.

The glamorous former model was photographed feeding the zoo’s famous giant panda, Gu Gu, bamboo shoots while getting a behind-the-scenes lesson on the rare animal’s diet and training. Melania also charmed Chinese schoolchildren by handing out stuffed bald eagle toys as the kids waved both American and Chinese flags in a carefully staged display of goodwill.