Dakota Fanning Shares Tradition of Receiving Shoes from Tom Cruise
Dakota Fanning revealed on the Today show that Tom Cruise has been sending her shoes for her birthday consistently for twenty years.
Origin of the Gift Tradition
Fanning's love for shoes started young, catching the attention of Cruise during their work together. Their bond dates back to the 2005 film War of the Worlds, directed by Steven Spielberg, where Fanning played Cruise's daughter.
Beginning at Age 12
“He sends me beautiful shoes, it’s a tradition that started, I think, on my 12th birthday. I loved shoes, and I just had started fitting into adult-sized shoes, and so I was really excited about it. And so for that birthday he gave me shoes, and he’s kept the tradition going for 20 years.”
Details of the Annual Gift
Craig Melvin asked if the shoes were high-end brands like Louis Vuitton or Prada. Fanning confirmed that the shoes are always stylish, adding, “He’s got good taste.” Melvin commented:
“He’s Tom Cruise, he can’t send you a pair of Keds.”
Fanning’s Connection to the Shoes
When asked if she actually wears the gifted shoes, Fanning said she does but also keeps all the pairs as cherished memories. She shared, “It’s such a great memory, it’s a way that he checks in with me.”
Author’s summary: For over two decades, Tom Cruise has maintained a heartfelt tradition of gifting Dakota Fanning stylish shoes each birthday, marking a unique and lasting friendship.