Tinker Hatfield

Tinker Hatfield is a legendary footwear designer and creative visionary at Nike, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to sneaker design and culture. Joining Nike in 1981 as an architect-turned-designer, Hatfield transformed performance footwear with his daring ideas, innovative use of materials, and commitment to athlete-driven design. His creations have become some of the most iconic sneakers in history, bridging the gap between sport, art, and lifestyle.

Hatfield is best known for designing many of Michael Jordan’s most beloved Air Jordan models — including the Air Jordan 3, 4, 5, and 11 — as well as the Nike Air Max 1, which introduced visible Air technology. His forward-thinking approach blends engineering precision with storytelling, helping define modern sneaker culture and the evolution of athletic design.

Tinker Hatfield represents innovation, creativity, and cultural influence. His work continues to inspire generations of designers and collectors alike, proving that sneakers can be both high-performance gear and artistic expression. Through vision and experimentation, Hatfield helped shape the foundation of Nike’s design legacy.