Dakota Fanning Says Tom Cruise Still Sends Her Shoes Every Year

During an appearance on the “Today” show, Dakota Fanning shared a charming detail about her long friendship with Tom Cruise — he has sent her a pair of shoes for her birthday every year since she was twelve.

A Tradition That Began on Set

The two actors first met while filming the 2005 science-fiction movie “War of the Worlds,” directed by Steven Spielberg, in which Fanning played Cruise’s daughter. That’s where their thoughtful tradition began.

“He sends me beautiful shoes, it’s a tradition that started, I think, on my 12th birthday,” Fanning said. “I loved shoes, and I had just started fitting into adult-sized ones, so I was really excited about it. And he’s kept the tradition going for 20 years.”

A Thoughtful Gesture

Host Craig Melvin asked what brands Cruise usually sends — joking about luxury designers. Fanning smiled and replied that his choices are always stylish.

“He’s got good taste,” she said.

Melvin humorously added that “he’s Tom Cruise — he can’t send you a pair of Keds.”

Saving the Memories

When asked whether she actually wears the shoes, Fanning explained that she does, but keeps them all as cherished mementos.

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

Author’s Summary

Dakota Fanning revealed that Tom Cruise has celebrated her birthday with gifted shoes for two decades, a tradition born from their close bond since “War of the Worlds.”

WWD — 2025-11-05