Action Bronson Shows Off His Sneaker Collection & New "Baklava" x New Balance | GQ

"I don't know how to color block. I don't care about traditional way of design. I feel it." Back when Dr. Baklava a.k.a. Action Bronson was a youth, he owned every athletes' signature footwear. From Shaqs to Ken Griffey Jr. Air Max, Bronson was heavily influenced by sneaker culture. Now that he's released his very own New Balance 990v6 "Baklava," he takes us through his sneaker journey and reveals his favorite sneakers of all time.
Director: Robby Miller
Producer: Arielle Neblett
Director of Photography: Brad Wickham
Cam Op: Jake Robbins
Audio: Sean Paulsen
Production Assistant: Kameryn Hamilton
Production Manager: James Pipitone
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Coordinator: Jamal Colvin
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Associate Director of Post: Jarrod Bruner
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Editors: Graham Mooney
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
Senior Talent Manager: Tara Burke
Talent: Action Bronson
00:00 Action Bronson's Life in Sneakers
00:21 Sneaker Journey
02:35 Favorite Sneakers
03:48 New Balance 990v6 "Baklava"
06:54 AEW Rampage Grand Slam
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[@esqueleto2252]

"I'd wear a size 8 to 11 depending on sock thickness" Action is a different breed

[@GrahamPlays]

Bro wears mad socks.

[@monkeytennis8861]

Also talks drivel on that point

[@dra.cappal0t991]

Just listening to him talk about the sneakers and the culture when he was younger you can tell he knows his stuff

[@FreshMatic]

Sounds like he selling yall a bunch of BS. The shoes don't represent the Era he discussed.

[@Excels3o2]

@@FreshMatic sounds like you hating

[@titans360ify]

@@FreshMatic prove it

[@droundthegod]

It’s so refreshing

[@PhlyTy310]

Ll0

[@Slim_Charles]

“They make all kinds of amazing things like *scotch tape* “ 🤣🤣 how could anyone not like this guy

[@thilineherath7167]

I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of the colourway, but the way he narrates it makes it likeable

[@nisaelx1]

Facts.. man has a way with words haha

[@blackbird15200]

They’re so ugly but I want them so bad

[@renosance8941]

@@blackbird15200 lmao 😅

[@tobe1207]

They're just ugly imo. Some of the colors are real nice individually, nice shade of blue. Im a early 90s baby My brain looks at what goes well together,and usually more simple. Can never go wrong with Timbs and jeans

[@nisaelx1]

@@tobe1207 I'm a 90s baby too, just say you got no swag lil bro.

[@JaeLee85]

Action named all the stores in downtown Manhattan my friends and I grew up shopping at. They're all closed now but those shops like Nom De Guerre, Clientele, were staples before sneakers were a "culture". Love collabs like this.

[@matthewadams9089]

This man is a national treasure, and should be treated as such.

[@lovingdeanthegodmachine5622]

Fr though actions energy always a vibe

[@chicken4090]

What does that even mean

[@esqueleto2252]

All love to that first colorway but holy I need that lapis lazuli joint stat

[@damienjeremyweir4543]

He right about the regurgitated thing. 90s kicks was proper fire, original.

[@poppinc8145]

It's because people are looking at the wrong brands. Nike putting out the same stuff for decades just in new colors, except for some of their runners. Brands like Puma and Karhu putting out a lot of new heat but don't get as much attention.

[@DylanLey]

I like the lapis colorway better, but the first colorway is definitely going to be a crazy release!

[@monkeytennis8861]

It's both something a child and an old woman would wear

[@_mikeee]

that blue colorway would've been sick. wish he was releasing both

[@iamALLon]

He is. The blue I am sure just has a later release date.

[@a.d.the.4mvla43]

yeah of course hes releasing the blue colourway they'll just be after the first drop ...he didn't design the 2nd colour just for fun ...🤨😉

[@kung-fukennyfamily]

Action is the type of dude you meet that kinda sketches you out at first...then after hanging out awhile you become ride or die status

[@ahf5471]

I’m glad to see the diversity in his sneakers. Most sneaker enthusiasts don’t comprehend anything beyond Nike.

[@kiko9356]

I can just listen to him talk all-day and it will be entertaining 😂

[@YOUNGMIXEDMUTT]

One of the most artistic rappers to ever do it, I’m really excited for this release.

[@brandonmadriz7815]

I remember watching his sneaker shopping episode and wanting to collaborate with ASICS or nb and now looking at this makes me smile.

[@PK-94]

I can’t wait for these !!

[@christopherbigman461]

Action is a curator of all things, I really respect the details he put into this sneaker 👟 I see myself getting a pair very cool to see him kill it in all aspects very cool 😎

[@Drew_Reviews]

I've been so excited for this shoe, this interview made them that much more special

[@dirtyteeth0]

You gotta watch the Full Size Run with him. The dude is hilarious! Such a character 😅

[@Drew_Reviews]

@@dirtyteeth0 thanks for the recommendation, it did not disappoint 😂

[@Fabo100]

NB was the one of the most popular sneakers when I was in HS. The 574’s. Back then they were $60. Been a fan of Action for over a decade now which is kind of wild. Must cop💯

[@paddyp95]

Its funny you say that. My pops would always say that NBs were highly popular in his day.

[@nerdbamarich2063]

I definitely need both of these...

[@velli_uk]

'if you stay ready, you dont have to get ready' this man only ever spits nothing but wisdom and facts

[@my-nieto]

it literally looks like every single color that Carhartt offers on their T-shirts. I love it!

[@wowitsrg]

Much love to Action! Love to see him creating on different levels. Wether it’s painting, music, or designing a sneaker, he always keeps things INTERESTING! Would be great to see him in more wrestling matches, we already know he’d go off. Tell WWE not to fumble the bag.

[@s.garrett5234]

I need that other colorway ASAP!

[@VIPLS430]

Can't wait for the drop hopefully we can get some dubs in here man 🙏🏿

[@SourRobbo]

Awesome dude - would love to get a pair of this release.

[@jezreels]

not really into the first colorway but the blue ones are 🔥

[@poppinc8145]

The Baklava name doesn't even fit the first one lol.

[@lowkeyloki8832]

The colorway on his feet is fire 🔥

[@LONKALUKSV]

I want these bad. I'm waiting on that drop !

[@MCMS331]

I need these ✊🏽🔥 color way is so sick.

[@thegraciefighter102]

I’ll be buying these and changing the laces

[@garyburke6156]

i freakin love this guy

[@Mrchrishenri]

I love action Bronson 😂 great dude love the sneakers keep killing it big guy

[@GoBirds808]

Same age as Action. Crazy the shoes we had. I had the Jordan 5s and 6s when they released.

[@beatsbykana]

new balance working hard to change their image. bringing in some good names and making good silhouettes

[@GTAI317]

Actions always been an ambassador!!!

[@monkeytennis8861]

And pushing utter crap like 990's and 2002's.

[@darrensobol2867]

the v6 are crazy comfy! Fuelcell was a huge move for the 990 line

[@KIPROPNicholasBett]

I've been so excited for this shoe

[@RayNLA]

This man is incredible!

[@GAVINNNNNNNNN]

I’m usually about greyscale or earth tone sneakers but after hearing him talk about that Baklava colorway… spoke to me fr

[@Abradabingg]

He knows the sneaker game for sure, love the ones hes wearing in this video. 😀

[@erenvazquez3412]

my absolute idol, I can't wait to see what else he creates!

[@pedromolina9558]

Deadass, then shoes has to be show of the year. It’s so clean and goes with everything!

[@treejay818]

these are fire im copping

[@jaymoneyyy9846]

need these

[@pearlsdead]

if you stay ready you dont have to get ready, livin by that now

[@shady2493]

After wearing these shoes, they immediately became my favorite in my collection, can’t stop wearing them

[@mensspace9519]

New Balance have very nice sneakers. My favorite is the 327, so comfortable and versatile, I have 4 pairs/colorway !

[@playingindies6730]

Besides the laces these are pretty cool The blue one is great tho

[@hellarichsf]

Such eloquence 😍😍😍

[@Ape_PONR]

Nike socks with New Balance is crazy Lmaoo

[@tonygonzalez305]

As a kid, receiving the eastbay catalog and source magazine was exciting

[@j-money5963]

Killer colorways, Action crushed it.

[@mesupt]

I need that other colorway asap

[@capone_rd_809]

Action Bronson has a way to make everything sound like poetry

[@brendanbloomberg3283]

He doesn't.

[@fuzzycuffs]

The Lapis Lazuli alternate is also fire. Surprised Action didn't wear it on Full Size Run.

[@dirtyteeth0]

Friends n Family pairs maybe 🤷🏻‍♂️ That episode was great!

[@premelosv]

Bronson is a og sneakerhead. most “sneakerheads” nowadays couldn’t even name older players shoe models.

[@dcrijo]

Them Asics cut in the middle though?...Never seen those before... Dope signature kicks 👌🏾 👏🏾

[@canonogic]

I NEED that Blue colourway

[@kevinchang5865]

Was lucky enough to hit for retail on the og colorway. Most prized shoe! Would love to get his autograph on them!

[@Jackpots936]

I need the second color way asap

[@rawke7279]

Favourite brand of kicks

[@jaykim6412]

Action is the culture- love this man--

[@casedonn6213]

Eastbay was lit. Haven't thought about that in a minute.

[@isseelmi1840]

listening to him talk about sneakers might as well be a mixtape

[@anthonyb1339]

He nails it Nike just spitting out the same shoe in in different colorways. I think people get caught up in the NIke hype. N/B shoes just pop with color, go check the 1500 what a great profile and so many colorways you can get under retail on the resale mkt. You want to be different then be different.

[@yankee2360]

I'm getting for sure❤

[@romanrobinson2902]

He even went back to eastbay days miss that catalog

[@judeobi242]

Congrats AB

[@purplestate]

This sneaker already grew on me. I want it now lol

[@_jouce]

Wasn't feeling these but I think I am warming up to them. They heat

[@BonitaUzABum]

Could listen to this guy talk all day to be fair.

[@sommelierofstench]

have you considered checking out shoe collections of people who don’t just own basketball shoes and sneakers? it would be cool to see custom cowboy boots or one off italian shoes. although i don’t really care about sneakers, his shoe seems kinda sick

[@georgecoutermarsh6542]

L❤ve that passion

[@kajzwinkels9795]

He rocks new balance for allignment :D

[@davidhasselhoff8821]

With the good 90s gore tex rlx jacket

[@iamALLon]

This is a perfect shoe. Must cop.

[@sethcox3872]

Currently rockin new balance 306s😎🔥🍻

[@sethcox3872]

This my next pair😁🔥

[@newyorksteezy]

Lets go with the 90s PERIOD!

[@402carkid9]

Man i. wish he was releasing the blue pair right now!!!!!

[@Swipes4000]

Must cop a pair

[@rodrigoortega9098]

👏👏excelente..emblematicos👍👽saludos Popayan @ COLOMBIA

[@BIGeeee5098]

Nice Charolette shout out on the "crazy basketball shoe"...$hout 🏀 ut Melo!

[@austincline]

I love: Myself ≥ Action Bronson

[@nerd26373]

Action Bronson sure is charismatic and amazing at everything he does. God bless him.

[@JohnHausser]

⬆️ 🤖

[@irvsantana8227]

This man different

[@sean9892]

“Medieval Utensils” is crazy 😂

[@SeemeonMars]

The ones on his feet are super sick.

[@chrivison]

Action Bronson makes new wave sneaker heads question their reality. Dudes an absolute OG. I can’t believe that his brain is like a shoe encyclopedia.

[@GoBirds808]

Eating cereal reading eastbay was the best

[@FittedInThe798]

Color pops I want a pair

[@Bigdogpunisher]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Action the 🐐

[@theicemankk]

Really wanted these but they were hard to get. Entered the queue with less than a min and it sold out in a Size 12. Aaaaaargh….

[@canonogic]

The man really gave Scotch Tape a shoutout 😂😂😂

[@KoiNoYokan37]

Hahah I like how he is still wearing Nike socks

[@chrivison]

East bay? There was a time it seemed like every single classroom had an east Bay magazine in it. Lordie that brings back memories

[@VirKolpe]

When I tell you I need these it's not enough, I cannot not have these shoes. Bronson and FTD are the best food personality/food show on the internet and it's not close.

[@edgarb2002]

I need the ones he’s wearing

[@sunzofman940]

Miss Eastbay mags fr

[@MrBaskins2010]

that shoelace comment was a fckin bar!!

[@chrisbullock6477]

I've been on New Balances for about 10 years even got my wife wearing and into New Balances. The only Extremely Comfortable sneaker that also comes in so many varieties. No lie back in the 80's/early 90's we thought those were old white man sneakers...LOL