Air Tech Challenger - 1987
When going to the gym, Tinker noticed that most people brought two pairs of sport shoes. One pair for running and the other for weightlifting. Tinker found the solution creating the Air Tech Challenger. With the stability of a weightlifting shoe and the comfort of a runner. John McEnroe, at the time was returning to tennis and demanded Nike for some new shoes. They sent him the prototypes, which he loved so much he trained in and despite them asking him not to play in, he ignored and went on to win the Grand Slam.
Tinker's Iconic Designs
Air max 1 - 1987
Inspired by Centre Pompidou (a unique building, where you can see through the escalators, heating and air conditioning) Tinker brought the exposed air unit to shoes. These shoes are still widely worn, popular and recognisable today. To the right is one of Tinker's first drawings of the shoe and this colourway has recently been released. It goes to show, Tinker has an amazing ability to bring to life what he first envisions.
Jordan 3 - 1988
Tinker had only recently joined the design team at Nike when Michael Jordan wanted to leave and go to the opposition, Adidas. Tinker designed the 3s so the air unit would be visible and incorporated the elephant print Jordan wanted. At the time Hatfield wanted Jordan to be able to see the technology in the shoes with the unit, not knowing that it would become an iconic feature on Jordans. This shoe is OG no doubt and will forever leave us wondering what would have happened if he did switch. We are just glad he didn't.
Jordan 4 - 1989
The 4s were Tinker's first real attempt to make athletic shoes lighter by adding mesh to the sides panels and tongue. The grey, plastic wings were to offer support around the foot and reinforce the idea of taking flight. The jumpman logo on the tongue was introduced and it was the first international release, which was successful on the global market.
Air Max 90 - 1990
The Air Max 90s were the third variation to the Air Max range. Many preferred the mesh and the innovative multi-lace system for improved breathability justaposed to all top leather on the previous version. However, it was the sleek look and the success of the first two variations that caused people to buy the shoe. The Air Max series continues to this day with the Air Max 2015 that features a full length visible air unit on the bottom of the shoe.
Jordan V - 1990
For the Jordan V, Tinker was inspired by a World War II plane, known as the Mustang Fighter Plane. He always enjoyed likening Jordan to objects and believed in this case that they had a similar form of attack. They would both float around the edges of the game and then strike out of nowhere. He wasn't wrong, MJ defintely did strike in these shoes, putting up 69 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. What! The teeth are the clear representation of the Mustang Fighter Plane. However the original reflective tongue told the cameras that he was striking his way into history.
Jordan VI - 1991
Showoff! Tinker really hit it off with this shoe, showcasing two of his signature design moves on the Jordan VI. These were the translucent sole and the visible air unit. But if this wasn't enough why not add a porche inspired heel tab and a two hole tongue. The two hold tongue made the shoes easy to slip on, an idea that has been adopted by others over time.
Nike Huarache Trainer - 1991
A popular shoe in 2015, the iconic Huarache had to start somewhere. Tinker found himself inspired on a skiing trip where he found the neoprene boots he was wearing to leave him feeling secure. Neoprene boots were simplistic preaching less is more. So Tinker introduced the same philosophy when it came to designing running and basketbal shoes.
Nike Air Mowabb - 1991
An interesting shoe indeed. The Nike Air Mowabb could take on virtually anything, renewing the ACG (All Conditions Gear) Range. Tinker was inspired by frequent visits to see a friend in Moab, Utah. The shoe features the Huarache heel tab and brings the spatter-finishedmidsole to the mix. The spatter-finished midsole has become a staple on Tinker designs and many Nike ID shoes give you the option to feature this look.
Huarache Basketball - 1992
The Nike Huarache Basketball is a favourite among many. Following the Huarache Trainer, Tinker continued producing shoes where less is more. Stripping this shoe back and building it back up with only the necessities to create a light supportive shoe. He was inspired by the Mayan Sandal, a shoe that was by no means aesthetically appealing. Yet, he took this inspiration and designed a shoe that would stand the test of time. It was made famous by Five Freshman from Michigan state and the great Scottie Pippen. The opposition called them sandals to tease, although we all know who got the last laugh. A truely beautifully designed shoe. Thank you Tinker.
Jordan VII - 1992
What makes Tinker Hatfield great is his ability to draw inspiration from anywhere and his thirst to experience the world through different perspectives. The Jordan VII are a result of just that. He was inspired by Western African tribal art and Afropop, slightly random but appropriate. It was unusual to the average retailer, yet won its way into their hearts as it flew off the Nike shelves.
Nike Air Raid - 1992
Not all Tinker's designs were for the elite athletes. He designed the Nike Air Raid with the average street baller in his mind. Playing in the street as a child is a memory that many kids hold dear to them, and a memory that got better with this shoe. It was designed to withstand the tough asphault turf, featuring a bulky build and some supreme straps to keep you locked down. It was embraced in the street and a part of the culture.
Jordan VIII - 1993
Michael Jordan lived a busy life, balancing family, basketball, endorsements and the relentless pressures placed on him by fans. Many would express the stress through a short film or even a picture, but Tinker did it with a sneaker. The crazy colours put Michael's crazy life on his feet. The addition of the straps was beautifully executed, bringing streetball to the hardwood.
Jordan IX - 1994
In 1994, Michael Jordan was an icon world wide, and so Tinker did what he always does and expressed that fame through a sneaker. The back of the shoe incorporated the Jumpman logo with a rising sun and words were written on the sneaker that best represented Jordan, in seven different languages. Outside of the Chicago Bulls arena lies the famous Michael Jordan statue, in which he is wearing the Jordan IXs.
Jordan X - 1995
Michael Jordan was retired, but that did not stop Tinker designing his shoes. He put all Jordan's accomplishments on the midsolde and altered the lacing system by putting in ghilly laces. Today they aren't just basketball shoes but fashion statements. In 2015 they roamed the streets (particularly in the US), as a result of them being brought back through the Jordan retro range.
Jordan XI - 1995
It was Jordan's return to basketball and Tinker's redemption in the performance category. The glorious XIs, the most sought after Jordan shoe of all time. No matter what year you find yourself in, these shoes are always present. Tinker really pushed the aesthetic limitations that retailers placed on a basketball shoe with the shiny leather being a feature found on a womans shoe. There was so much hype built up to this shoe, where people were breaking into stores and fighting one another to get their hands on a pair. The previous shoes lacked performance innovation but these fixed it all, Jordan won another All-Star MVP, regular season MVP, Finals MVP and his forth championship ring .
Nike Air Oscillate - 1996
You probably forgot Tinker designed shoes that aren't associated with Michael Jordan. The Nike Air Oscillates weren't as loud as the Nike Air Tech Challengers worn by Andre Agassi and John McEnroe. No. These shoes were subtle like Pete Sampras who wore them. Pete came out year after year winning Grand Slams with the Oscillates performing like faithful workhorses. If you ask a Tennis die-hard about this sneaker, expect them to speak of them with some reverance.
Jordan XII - 1997
Jordan branched off from Nike with his own brand. So Tinker, while keeping the performance features of the previous Jordan (carbon spring plate), and returning to the traditional all leather upper, designed the Jordan XII. They were the first Jordan to include the revolutionary Zoom Air, a performance feature found on many running shoes today. They are considered to be the most durable Jordan of them all and consist of some of the freshest colourways the sneaker game offers.
Nike Zoom Talaria - 1997
Throwing it back to his running days in High School and College to draw inspiration, Tinker designed the Nike Zoom Talaria. The tennis ball upper was a statement piece that definitely attracted attention. The Talaria's live on today through the Talaria boots and are re-releasing in 2016.
Jordan XIII - 1998
The Jordan XIIIs tell quite the story. Tinker watched Michael Jordan play often and came to the conclusion that Michael moved like a "big, powerful, predatory cat". He gathered some photos of powerful cats and presented Michael with their similarities. Michael was confused and teary eyed said, "How did you know? Only my closest friends when I was younger called me the black cat". It was an emotional and reassuring moment for Hatfield and Jordan. For it took Jordan back to his roots of where his basketball journey began, and assured Tinker that he was on the right track, as he continued to tell stories through design. The sneaker reflects Jordan's reflexes and speed through the slim design and the cat hologram.
Jordan XIV - 1999
Inspired by Michael Jordan's ferrari, clearly evident through the badge, Tinker designed a low cut, sleek looking basketball sneaker. The Jordan XIV. They assisted Michael Jordan in winning his sixth and final championship ring. In this pair he made the famous steal against Utah Jazz player Karl Malone, only to back it up with the notorious step back shot to win the game. Tinker did not fail to capture a moment of pure greatness with the XIVs.
Jordan XV - 2000
Paying tribute to some of Michael Jordan's favourite Italian designers with a woven upper and red striped heel. The woven upper has since evolved in recent years with the Jordan Future, to offer an expensive, slim look. When designing this shoe Tinker was also inspired by the X-15 Fighter Jet, desgined by NASA in the 1950s. Not a game changer in itself, but a shoe that continued to push standard design barriers.
Lebron 1 - 2003
Lebron James was entering the league as the no.1 draft pick with the 90 million dollar Nike contact to go with it. It was only fitting that they would put Tinker on the project to collaborate with Eric Avar and Aaron Cooper. It was inspired by Lebron's hummer and featured full length zoom to keep Lebron comfortable and flying high during his rookie season. After a few designs with Lebron, Tinker vouged not to continue. This was due to Lebron's entourage that bombarded Tinker with opinions and ideas. Tinker enjoys a more forawrd thinking process in which he has experienced with Kobe Bryant, MJ and Carmelo Anthony.
Jordan XX - 2005
The futuristic XXs were designed to celebrate Jordan's legacy, with laser-ectched straps that feature symbols representing his career. Tinker was inspired by motorcycle tires and cycling shoes, clearly evident through the upper strap. The tag line said "Welcome to the future", a place Tinker has always seemed to live in.
Jordan XXIII - 2008
Tinker collaborated with Mark Smith to create the XXIII, a shoe that would be easily recognisable as a Jordan shoe without the logos. This was accomplished through the unique stitching on the sides that purposely weren't perfectly mirrored on each foot. They were also the first Jordan to undergo a environmentally friendly construction process.
Nike SB P-Rod II - 2008
You have probably heard of the Nike SB range. Although you probably didn't know that it was Tinker Hatfield that helped bring the Skate Genre to Nike. The Nike SB P-Rod was Paul Rodriguez's second signature shoe, featuring a black woven upper, canvas shape and baby blue bottom. A fantastic display of creativity and innovation, as Tinker realised the woven upper works better on Skate shoes juxtaposed to basketball shoes.
Jordan 2010 - 2010
When everyone thought the Jordan range was over Tinker once again teamed up with Mark Smith to push some more design barriers (because he had not pushed enough previously). They added a thermoplastic transparent window that symbolised Jordan's ability to see through opponents. I know what you are thinking, dayuuuum!
Nike Zoom Vapour 9 - 2014
Main inspiration - simple - give Roger Federer an advantage on the court. The advantage would come in the form of the Nike Zoom Vapour 9. Roger asked that it be as comfortable as a running shoe yet still have a low court feel. He also requested that it be secure in the forefront and have moving room on the side. Furthermore, Tinker drew some sketches on his ipad to create the ultimate tennis shoe. He worked the laces into a pulley system (to allow movement), brought weight to the bottom (for low court feel), added a TPU frame (for support) and designed the shoe in a way that it could look completely different with every colourway. In turn revolutionising the tennis shoe.
Nike Zoom Vapour X AJ3 - 2014
Greatness overload! Tinker created a shoe that collaborated the best of the best, reflecting Roger Federer and Michael Jordan. It features the iconic elphant print, plush leather, RF logo and the full length zoom. The combination of the Jordan 3s and the Zoom Vapour 9s - both shoes designed by Tinker - couldn't have turned out any better. When describing what it is like to work with Tinker, Michael Jordan said "Tinker is a pain in the ass, but a good pain in the ass, I absolutely love him."
Jordan 29 - 2015
The best basketball performance shoe to ever exist. It goes to show Tinker is not just making shoes for the sake of it, but to continue to produce improved products. It is most notably worn by Oklahoma's Russell Westbrook, a two-time NBA all star MVP. Collaborating with Italian designers Tinker designed the woven upper to fit like a glove. The support/security offered by this shoe, was accomplished by adding a higher thread count in the forefoot and heel. The flight plate in the midsole provides extra spring and spreads the load out. A true innovation, that will/has changed the way basketball shoes are designed in the future.
Nike SB P-Rod 9 - 2015
Recognise that elephant print? It is kind of a Tinker signature. "I want my own Jordan," are the exact words that came from Paul Rodriguez's mouth when talking to the SB team. Tinker Hatfield got to work and revitalised the P-Rod 2, adding the memorable elephant print. This shoe is perfect for skaters offering security and grip in the appropriate places. It highlights the beauty of the skate culture while enhancing it with the mark of legends.
Nike Air Mag - 2015
Marty McFly (aka Michael J Fox) is no joke, and neither are these shoes. Do you remember those futuristic Nike shoes in Back to the Future II? Of course you do! Well Tinker Haven Hatfield Junior brought them to life and made them a reality. He delivered the first official pair to Michael J Fox with a thoughtful letter. The letter explained Nike's plan to raise 9.4 million dollars through the sales of the Air Mag's for the Michael J Fox foundation. Helping put an end to Parkinson's disease.
Jordan 30 - 2016
Tinker Hatfield was fighting against the clock to get this shoe designed. He transformed the 1988 iconic Michael Jordan slam dunk image into a galactic character called Mister Cosmos. From this he came up with the galactic themed Jordan 30. With much wisdom, he vouged not to stray too far from the previous Jordan 29, as he believes that change is only necessary for strong performance reasons.