Introducing the Nike Air TR Cruz. Victor Cruz’s first signature shoe. The first colorway to release is this fresh Haystack colorway. The shoe features a premium Wheat suede upper, Black with Red Speckle Air Trainer 1 mid sole, half strap on the heel with his signature, a full overlay strap on the front and the classic gum bottom. We sat down with Victor to talk about his new shoe. Here is what he had to say.
The Inspiration
Victor wanted to keep it rooted in football. Create this luxury football feel. That’s why he added the classic Air Trainer 1 mid sole. He also wanted to add a lifestyle luxury aspect to the upper using materials like suede and leather. It’s football but luxury football which he felt has been gone in the football sneakerworld for a long time.
The Story Behind The First Colorway
One of Victor’s favorite shoes growing up was the Flax Nike Air Force 1. He also wore a lot of tims growing up in Paterson so he wanted this first colorway to reflect that.
The Design Journey
The process from design to completion took a little over a year. The shoe originally started as a high but then decided to shrink it down to a mid. The strap also began as a full strap that came all the way around but ended up being cut down.
Truly A Dream Come True
The dream of having his own shoe is now a reality and Victor says it is an amazing feeling. However, it hasn’t yet set in. It will officially start to set in for him when he drives through Paterson and sees adults and young kids either on their first day of school or heading to a party and they have them on.
Victor’s Personal Style
Cruz describes his personal style as Low Key Luxury. There aren’t any loud colors. You can see the quality from the top all the way down to his sneakers. The materials are top notch. That’s how he wanted to live. The style icons he most admires are LeBron, Brady, Pharrell, Kanye and Cam Newton.
Love For Sneaker Culture
Victor’s love for sneaker culture came from being an athlete as a kid. His mother wasn’t able to afford them so she would save up money just to be able to get a pair for him.
Favorite Shoe Growing Up
It was a tie. His favorite shoes growing up were the Cool Grey Air Jordan 11 and Black Cement Air Jordan 3.
See more detailed images below and pick these up in select stores on November 20th for $150. Check out Launch Locator for stores.