An Athletic Shoe That Didn’t Follow Any Rules!
The Nike Air Safari is 25 years young this year and Nike chose to celebrate the anniversary by rereleasing it in limited quantities. While I picked up a pair of the shoes to celebrate one of my favorite designs of all time, I felt the best way to celebrate the shoe would be talking with the creator of it, design legend and friend; Tinker Hatfield. Check out the podcast below for the full conversation on the athletic shoe that didn’t follow any rules!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tinker Hatfield is A Sneaker Icon. He Belongs in the Hall Of Fame For His Creation & Works He Changed The Entire Perception. Of Sport & Relationship Between The Sneaker And Athlete, Breaking Boundaries From Basic Design To Actually Looking Good On The Track or Court…
I completely agree! His work is unparalleled in the footwear industry. The work that he created brought so many business segments together, that before him; were completely divided. He bridged how marketing, design and development came together to bring the story of the product relationship with the athlete to the masses. He created the idea of story telling within shoes which in return made iconic products for people to follow.
B
I really love the idea of sneaker podcasts – thanks for the great listen/insights Brett !
Thanks! It’s way better than transcribing and it allows for multitasking as you listen as opposed to reading a 2,000+ word interview.
Pingback: Brett Golliff: Tinker Hatfield on the Nike Air Safari | SneakerFiles
Awesome!
Thanks for checking it out my friend!
I fondly remember being fourteen when my friend and I pored over the Nike Air insert that came in that week’s Sports Illustrated as you would a girlie magazine you found in the back of your dad’s sock drawer. The Air Safari still ranked below the Air Trainer and Air Max in terms of desirability for me, but there was no doubt about its striking appeal. I don’t ever remember seeing one in person at the mall or on any kids’ feet at school, though. I’m pretty sure we almost doubted they were ever released.
Tinker Hatfield is a personal hero of mine. If you’ve got any appreciation for design, it almost makes you want to cry. I live in NYC and take the subway to work every morning. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t see a Tinker design on someone’s feet, if not my own. It could almost make for a new ‘punch buggy’ game for those of us who geek out to these things.
Anyway, I love this site, Brett. As a one-time aspiring shoe designer who used to pass sketches of air trainer redesigns with my buddy during 8th grade science class, it’s great to get deeper insight into the industry and the thought processes and considerations from an insider’s perspective.
Hugh, thank you for the kind words about the site! I am glad you like it.
I know the exact feeling of poring over a Sports Illustrated for its Nike ads. I literally convinced my father to get me a subscription solely to have those ads and every Michael Jordan cover possible!
It’s great the passion you share for Tinkers work, he is obviously a phenomenal designer that has impacted the world with his ideas. There can’t be to many designers that have had the cultural influence he has had with consumers!
B
Pingback: Brett Golliff: Tinker Hatfield on the Nike Air Safari
Pingback: Nike Air Safari Podcast with Brett Golliff and Tinker Hatfield! | DIVENZ14
Pingback: Brett Golliff: Tinker Hatfield on the Nike Air Safari | Only Cool Stuff