Tinker Hatfield - Footwear Legend
- Cal Stansfield
- Oct 11, 2016
- 2 min read
From popping into the world in Oregon; 1952, Tinker has become a household name for 'sneakerheads' globally, but where did it all start? Lets rewind back to his childhood, having a Dad that was a state coach, he naturally took a shine towards the sporting world; becoming an All-State Basketball and AMERICAN Football player (not proper footy!), whilst also holding his place as an All-American track and field athlete. All us Nike lovers are bloody lucky that he didn't stick to competing ey!
From his young sporting years, fast forward a few years to him attending Oregon University of Architecture, where he began to apply his creative side to designing some snazzy buildings and picking up the skills he did not know would help him design some of the most iconic trainers! At his time here he also competed in athletics, where he met and was coached by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman, this is where it all started!
Hatfield joined the Nike team in 1981 but only decided to apply his architectural skills to shoe design a few years later, and he has never looked back from there; becoming the world's most influential sports shoe designer.
To be fair to the guy he has done quite well, and shoe enthusiasts and shell suit wearers alike agree, with the likes of his smart al' 'exposed air' creating the Air Max series which is just as, if not more influential than the likes of Adidas' 'Futurecraft' 3D printed crepe; to the timeless Jordan 1 (and all the other million Jordans), bringing us a mix between a Basketball and more luxury trainer with the quality tumble leather and simple sports design and purpose.
I think it is safe to say that Tinker, along with Mark Parker and the gang have changed the game forever, without them, you never know we may still be walking around without that bubble or jumpman under our feet, unthinkable right? And soon because of these cooky innovators, you can say goodbye to the days to tying your laces, 'cos now your Nike's can do it for you!
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