Tinker Hatfield

Tinker Hatfield Haven, Jr. (* 30th April 1952 in Hillsboro , Oregon ) is an American shoe - designer at Nike . Since the late 1980s he has designed numerous commercially successful basketball shoes in collaboration with Michael Jordan , the Air Jordan 3 to Air Jordan 15 , the anniversary model Air Jordan XX , Air Jordan XXIII , 2010 (XXV) and the Nike Mag . He is the Vice President of Nike's Design and Special Projects .

Life

Tinker Hatfield studied architecture at the " University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts". Here he made the acquaintance of athletics coach and Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman . Hatfield was a successful pole vaulter who finished sixth in the 1976 Olympic Trials. He finished his studies with a Bachelor of Architectures (B. Arch.). He started working for Nike in June 1981 and has been designing sports shoes since 1985. Architectural elements were often incorporated into his designs.

Golden Spikes by Michael Johnson, 1996

At Nike, he was responsible for sports shoe design and played a key role in the successful development of the Jordan brand . In 1987 he first installed a transparent Air cushioning unit in the soles of his sports shoes, which would become the trademark of Hatfield's designs over the next few years. A visit to the Center Georges Pompidou in Paris is said to have been the inspiration for the development of this air unit , whose transparent architecture also allows glimpses of the technical components.

He developed shoes for Andre Agassi and John McEnroe as well as for the appearance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta , the golden spikes for the sprinter Michael Johnson . Among other things, he was involved in the development of the first cross-country shoe. Hatfield has been involved in Nike's advertising strategy since 1985, which staged the prominent advertising media along with the products in artistically elaborate TV spots. In the mid-1990s, Hatfield was considered one of the most influential people in the sports business.

In 2008 his former university awarded him the Ellis F. Lawrence Medal from the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts.

Drafts (selection)

Sports shoes

In addition to special series for athletes, Tinker Hatfield also designed sports shoes that were mass-produced. These include the brands:

• Nike Air Max 1 (1987)
• Nike Air Max 90 (1990)
• Nike Air Trainer 1 (1987)
• Nike HuarTrainer (1991)
• Air Mowabb (1991)
• Nike Air Flight Huarache (1992)
• Nike Air Raid (1992)
• Nike Air Oscillate (1996)
• Nike Zoom Talaria (1997)
• Nike Air Zoom Generation (LeBron 1) 2003
• Nike SB P-Rod II Tinker Hatfield (2008)
• Nike Mag (2011, prototype), 2015

Nike Air Jordan (designed by Tinker Hatfield)

In 1988 Hatfield and Michael Jordan began working together. The basketball shoes, which are coveted as cult objects and are released every year, were marked with the Jumpman logo and the use of innovative, new materials and designs. Many of the models were reissued in the following years as retro models and in different color variants. The most commercially successful shoe from the Air Jordan line was the AJ11 , which Michael Jordan also wore in the animated film Space Jam . With Michael Jordan merchandising , Nike rose to become a leading sporting goods company with estimated sales of $ 2.6 billion.

• Air Jordan III (1988): First use of the Jumpman logo, use of the Air cushioning component in the sole and a characteristic animal print, the so-called elephant upper ; Retro versions appeared in 1994, 2001, 2003 and 2007. The shoe originally sold for $ 100.
• Air Jordan IV (1989): Additional strap for lacing on the ankle. Product placement in the film Do the Right Thing . First sale of the AJs on the international market. The AJ IV marks the beginning of the hype around these sneakers. In the years 2000, 2004 to 2006, 2008 and from 2010 to 2013, numerous retro versions with design and color modifications appeared. As a laser edition , the AJ IV was sold with a T-shirt and a cap. The original edition was priced at $ 110, with later editions selling up to $ 175.

Air Jordan V with Jumpman logo, retro edition 2011

• Air Jordan V (1990): A characteristic feature of the AJ V were transparent parts of the sole, the use of a tip-like material for ventilation of the shoe, a tongue of reflective material and a shark wave design, made to the design of fighter aircraft in the Second World War remember should . The retail price of the shoe was $ 125 in 1999. Due to the discoloration of the transparent sole, this model received a high number of complaints . The retro versions of the AJ V were released in 2000, 2006 to 2009, 2011 and 2013.
• Air Jordan VI (1991): At Jordan's request, a small recess was incorporated in the heel area of the AJ VI to protect the Achilles heel . In addition, the shoe has a padding on the upper shaft, two holes on the tongue and Michael Jordan's jersey number 23. The transparent rubber sole of the AJ V has been improved and given a Jumpman logo. After its 1991 release, there were numerous retro releases in 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008-2010, 2012, and 2014. The original retail price was $ 125. The shoes were worn in the basketball comedy White Boys Don't Make It With Wesley Snipes .

Air Jordan VII of the Dream Team (1992)

• Air Jordan VII (1992): After the previous models had had many problems with the sole, the transparent material was not used. The Air unit was also no longer visible in the sole of this model. A characteristic feature of the shoe is a neoprene inlay, which is applied to the foot and should provide a secure hold. Retro versions of the shoe were released in 2002 through 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2013. On the occasion of the 1992 Olympic Games, the heel area was provided with Jordan's Olympic jersey number 9 instead of the 23. In a commercial for the AJ VII , Nike's marketing team first worked together with Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny , which earned the sneaker the nickname "The Buggs". The final sentence of the commercial became famous: "This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
• Air Jordan VIII (1993): The AJ VIII was the last shoe Michael Jordan wore before his first retirement. It was heavier than its predecessor models, with a continuous Air sole and a spider-shaped Velcro fastening over the instep . The lateral fixation was mocked as "rabbit ears" and the shoe was less comfortable to wear than the previous models. In 1993, the shoes were priced at $ 125. Numerous retro versions of this model have appeared since 2003.
• Air Jordan IX (1993): The AJ IX was characterized by numerous Asian design elements. A rising sun was placed on the heel above number 23, the sole was decorated with characters in various languages. The design of the sneakers contained some modified details of the previous models, such as the improved neoprene inlay. At the start of sales, the shoe cost $ 125 and was offered as a retro model in different colors from 2002.
• Air Jordan X (1994): The Air Jordan X was the first design that was not approved by Michael Jordan. An innovation in the shoe design, which was based on the AJ III , AJ V and AJ VI models , was the introduction of an ultra-light Phylon sole, on which Jordan's successes were engraved with the corresponding year. The sneaker was priced at $ 125 in 1994. Two women's sneakers are also available as retro models, which have been presented in different versions since 2005.
• Air Jordan XI (1995): The success of this model is primarily due to the fact that Michael Jordans made his comeback in the NBA with these shoes . The sneaker was again equipped with a transparent rubber sole, which led to the already known problems of the material's lack of light resistance. After Jordan wore this shoe in the color scheme Concords White - Black - Dark Concord in the lead role in the movie Space Jam , this model became a huge commercial success. The sneaker went on sale in November 1995 at a retail price of $ 125 in black / white / royal blue. AJ XI retro versions were launched in 2000, 2001, 2003 and from 2006 to 2014 .
• Air Jordan XII (1996): After quality problems arose with the AJ XI , Hatfield decided to develop a very robust, but less light AJ XII . The design was based on the rising sun of the Japanese flag with distinctive seams. A newly developed carbon fiber shaft plate provided improved traction. The AJ XII retailed for $ 135 in 1996. Retro models of the Air Jordan XII appeared in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 and from 2011 to 2013. The AJ XII was the last shoe that was sold under the name Nike, after Jordan in September 1997 as an independent brand of Nike was outsourced.

Nike Air Jordan XIII (1997)

• Air Jordan XIII (1997): A characteristic feature of the Air Jordan XIII , designed by Tinker Hatfield in 1997, was a combination of cushioning and sole that was visually inspired by the paw of a panther . A hologram in the shape of a cat's eye was also attached to the verse . The shoe went on sale in 1997 at a price of $ 150. Retro models of the Air Jordan XIII were offered in 2004, 2005, 2008 and between 2010 and 2013. In the film Spike Lee's Game of Life , Nike succeeded in another high-profile product placement by equipping lead actors Denzel Washington and Ray Allen with Air Jordans XIII .
• Air Jordan XIV (1998): The AJ XIV is the first collaboration between Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith. Both designers were inspired by Michael Jordan's Ferrari F355 when designing the shoes . Air channels on the lateral outsole to improve the inner shoe climate, based on the air inlet slots of the Ferrari and the Jumpman signet in the form of the Ferrari logo implement this design concept. The 14th edition of the Jordan series is represented by 14 Jumpmans, seven on each shoe. Michael Jordan wore a pair of the shoe during the 1998/99 NBA Finals , the final game of his career that he decided seconds before the end of the game for the Chicago Bulls . The model he wore at this game was nicknamed "Last Shots" and was one of the most sought-after Jordans to be produced. Retro models of this model were launched from 1998 to 1999 and 2005 to 2006.
• Air Jordan XV (1999): Although it was feared that the model series could be discontinued after Michael Jordan's active sports career ended, Hatfield continued the series with the AJ XV in 1999 . For the design of the futuristic AJ XV , Hatfield was inspired by the construction of fighter planes. Characteristic features of the shoe were the use of Kevlar- reinforced side parts, a tongue running parallel to the sole, reminiscent of a sticking out tongue, an extremely reinforced heel part and the use of the Zoom Air sole developed by Nike . The initially controversial draft achieved good sales revenue. Nike reissued the shoe as a retro model in 2007 and 2008. This model was supposed to be Tinker Hatfield's last draft in the Air Jordan range for the time being. In the following years, the designer could be won over for the designs of the anniversary models Air Jordan XX , Air Jordan XX3 and Air Jordan 2010 .
• Air Jordan XX (2005): To mark the 20th anniversary of the Air Jordan range, Hatfield designed an extraordinary sneaker that was engraved with symbols and numbers relating to Michael Jordan's career on a wide metatarsal strap. The tried and tested Air technology in the sole has been replaced in this shoe by the newly developed Independent Podular Suspension (IPS) cushioning system. The shoe was sold in three colorways at a price of $ 175. In addition, were by AJ XX a mid and low cut model offered such.
• Air Jordan XX3 (2008): The design of the AJ XX3 , an important figure for Michael Jordan in his career, was created in collaboration between the athlete and Hatfield. If possible, this model should be produced according to ecological criteria. The materials for the shoe came from the immediate vicinity of the factory; the upper material of the shoes was largely hand-sewn. As a result of these factors, the sneaker sold for a significantly higher price of $ 230. At the same time, the AJ XX3 was the last shoe with an exchangeable IPS cushioning unit. A special foam material, which was processed in the sole, should improve the accuracy of the fit of the shoe and adapt to the wearer individually. The sneaker was personalized with a fingerprint logo on the outsole, hand-made MJ stitch patterns and Michael Jordan's signature on the toe cap .
• Air Jordan 2K10 (2010): A characteristic feature of the AJ 2K10 are two large transparent eyes, each attached to the side of the shoe. The newly developed, independent toe cap offers increased mobility for the wearer. The sole with Zoom Air cushioning has a low profile and has a herringbone profile over the entire length to improve traction. A newly developed, anti-bacterial action OrthoLite insole should significantly improve the moisture management of the shoe. Contributing also perforations at the outer material, depending on the model of paint or nubuck leather is. A hidden message can be read in the inner lining: " I've failed over and over and over again in my life; and that is why I succeed" . The model was offered at a price of $ 170. The AJ 2K10 also became an outdoor -Model offered, which offers increased stability with an additional cross strap.The transparent window has been replaced on the outdoor model by a coarsely perforated material on the side surfaces.

Nike Mags

Hatfield designed the self-lacing shoes for the main character Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox , for the film Back to the Future II . In 2011, Nike auctioned a prototype Nike Mag based on these shoes, limited to 1,500 copies, through an internet auction house for the benefit of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, with the first copy generating proceeds of $ 37,500. A new edition of the Nike Mags is planned for 2015, in which the laces close automatically ( power laces ) and which are equipped with a light strip in the verse part.

Exhibitions

Many of his designs have been or will be shown in design museums and exhibitions. In addition to his legendary Air Jordan designs, which are shown in museums, an AJ shoe sole also served as the basis for a work of art, a combination of two design classics: Alvar Aalto's vase with a base in the shape of the shoe sole designed by Tinker Hatfield. The object is on display at the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York.

Tinker Hatfield's designs were one of the highlights at the first North American exhibition on the history of sneaker culture, which was shown in Toronto in 2013/14 .

Awards

• 1993; 1996: Sportstyle Magazine : "One of the most influential people on the business side of sports"
• 1998: Fortune  : "One of 100 Most Influential Designers of the 20th century"

In 2013, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the Nike Air Max , Hatfield was honored at a festive event at the Center George Pompidou in Paris and a small retrospective of the Air Max sneakers was shown.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Lixandra Urresta, Elizabeth Smith: The Jordan Effect The world's greatest basketball player is also one of its great brands. What is his impact on the economy? Fortune, June 22, 1998, accessed March 6, 2015
2. ↑ complex.com 30 Years In The Making: Tinker Hatfield's Best Sneaker Designs , accessed March 7, 2015
3. ↑ sneakers-magazine.com: Nike Sneakerball in Paris , accessed on March 7, 2015
4. ^ Democratherald.com: Tinkering with success , accessed March 6, 2015
5. ^ Democratherald.com: Tinkering with success , accessed March 6, 2015
6. ↑ 2008 Ellis F. Lawrence Medal Honors Tinker Hatfield . University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved May 28, 2012. 
7. ↑ sneakerlover.de: Air Jordans: The Chronicle of a Legend , accessed on March 7, 2015
8. ↑ fortune.com: The Jordan Effect The world's greatest basketball player is also one of its great brands. What is his impact on the economy? , accessed March 7, 2015
9. ↑ AJ IV  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
10. ↑ AJ V  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
11. ↑ AJ VI  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
12. ↑ sneakerlover.de Air Jordan VII , accessed on March 7, 2015
13. ↑ AJ VIII  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
14. ↑ AJ IX  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
15. ↑ AJ X  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
16. ↑ AJ XI  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
17. ↑ AJ XII  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
18. ↑ AJ XIII  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
19. ↑ sneakerlover.de Air Jordan XIV , accessed on March 7, 2015
20. ↑ AJ XIV  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015  
21. ↑ AJ XV  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 8, 2015  
22. ↑ AJ XX  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 8, 2015  
23. ↑ AJ XX3  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 8, 2015  
24. ↑ AJ 2K10  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 8, 2015  
25. ↑ welt.de: Nike is tying up "Back to the Future" , accessed on March 6, 2015
26. ↑ cooperhewitt.org: Tinker Hatfield , accessed on March 7, 2015
27. ↑ theartnewspaper.com: Cooper Hewitt puts can-do spirit into the house Carnegie built ( Memento of the original from March 24, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015 
28. ↑ presseportal.de: First North American exhibition on the history of sneaker culture ( Memento of the original from April 2, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed March 7, 2015 
29. ^ Tinkering with success . Retrieved December 19, 2002. www.democratherald.com
30. ↑ sneak-art.com: Air Max Sneaker Ball , accessed on March 7, 2015