Aussie Sneakerhead and New Balance Lover: Nathan D’Cruz

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What was the moment you first got drawn to sneakers, and which pair of sneakers triggered your passion?

The first moment I was drawn into sneakers was back in high school. In 2006, the hottest shoe was the all white Air Force 1 mid! However, the sneaker that triggered my passion was the 2012 Air Jordan 3 “Black Cement”. I saw someone's photo wearing them on Instagram and I was hooked since.

What’s one moment or trend in the history of sneaker culture that resonates with you?

I would have to say the emerging “dad” shoe trend. That moment in time really opened a new door for me in terms of wearing chunky sneakers, adjusting my style and learning new ways of dressing to make the shoe the focal point of the fit.

It also made me have a new appreciation for New Balance, seeing creatives take a shoe that wasn’t as popular as Adidas or Nike and making amazing fits.

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Please describe how it feels to you when you get and wear a new pair of kicks?

There’s a different level of excitement when you get a pair of shoes. I buy all of my shoes online, so once I get that confirmation email, I spend days on YouTube watching review videos, watching those creators wear the shoes with different outfits. Then once it arrives, and you open the box, you just admire them for a bit before chucking them on foot. It’s a feeling only someone who appreciates sneakers can understand!

What are some of your favorite creators/designers or brands and why?

Some of my favourite creators include: Oldmanalan, Makai Beaumont, Magnus Ronning, Danie Sierra to name a few. I love how they’re able to get very creative with outfits and how they’re able to style items and make them look so hard to replicate.

However, I don’t have many favourite designers. But if I had to choose, I would say Jerry Lorenzo. I’ve always been a big fan of his comfy aesthetic. There’s not many people who can pull off wearing sweatpants to a fancy event.

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What is one sneaker collaboration that doesn’t exist, but you wish/think should exist?

Personally, I would like to see a Carhartt x New Balance collaboration. That trademark tobacco colour on a 992 would be amazing!

What are some of the current pairs of sneakers in your rotation?

My current rotation is the new Aime Leon Dore x New Balance 650R’s, my Jjjjound x New Balance 992’s, my Clark Wallabies and my Birkenstock Boston’s and a pair of shoes I wear religiously, my Tom Sachs Mars Yards.

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What is your ultimate holy grail sneaker that you have not managed to acquire so far?

The ultimate holy grail sneaker I haven’t been able to acquire would be the 2015 Chicago 1’s. A pair that I regret not buying back when resell wasn’t as high as it is now. I consider it the sneaker that started it all, and it would be amazing to have such an iconic colourway in my collection.

Other than kicks, what are some of your daily essentials or treasured items?

My beanies are one of my daily essentials. Most of my outfits, I have a beanie on regardless of the weather. I’m also a big fan of rings, I’ve been wearing an old gold ring my dad gave me a lot lately. It’s something that has a lot of meaning because it was something he had made a long time ago and now I have it. It’s something I will keep forever.

Where people can find you on social media?

Instagram: @nathandcruz

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