Dakota Fanning Says Tom Cruise Still Sends Her Shoes Every Year

During an appearance on the “Today” show, Dakota Fanning revealed that Tom Cruise has been sending her shoes for her birthday every year since she was 12. The long-running tradition began after they worked together on the 2005 sci-fi film “War of the Worlds,” directed by Steven Spielberg.

The Origin of the Tradition

Fanning shared that her love of shoes started early, and Cruise noticed it while filming. After she turned 12 and began wearing adult sizes, Cruise gave her a pair of shoes — the first of many that would mark the start of a unique friendship ritual lasting two decades.

“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,” Fanning said.

Her Thoughts on His Taste

When host Craig Melvin asked about the brands, teasing with “Louis Vuittons? Pradas?”, Fanning laughed and responded that Cruise has great taste. Melvin jokingly noted, “He’s Tom Cruise, he can’t send you a pair of Keds.”

“He’s got good taste,” Fanning commented with a smile.

Saving Every Pair

Fanning also revealed that she not only wears the shoes but keeps them all as keepsakes. Each pair serves as a thoughtful way for Cruise to stay in touch over the years.

“I do wear the shoes. But I save them all — I’ll keep them forever. It’s such a great memory, a way that he checks in with me,” she said.

Author’s Summary

For twenty years, Tom Cruise has celebrated Dakota Fanning’s birthday with stylish shoes — a heartfelt gesture that honors their lasting friendship.

WWD — 2025-11-05