Tinker Hatfield & Air Jordan: Iconic Designs & Which Pair to Buy Today

Quick answer: Tinker Hatfield is the Nike designer, trained as an architect, who designed the Air Jordan 3 (1988) through the Air Jordan 15, plus several later models. He gave Jordans visible Air, the elephant print, the Jordan 4's side wings and the Jordan 11's patent leather. If you want a Tinker classic today, start with the Air Jordan 3 for comfort, the Air Jordan 4 for everyday style, or the Air Jordan 11 for a dressier look. Most fit true to size. Wide feet should go up a half size in the 3 and 4.

Hatfield studied architecture and joined Nike in 1981, where he first designed offices and stores. He moved to shoes a few years later. When it was time for the Air Jordan 3 in 1988, he sat down with Michael Jordan and listened. Jordan wanted a lower, lighter shoe that felt good right out of the box. Hatfield gave him a mid-cut collar, a visible Air unit in the heel, the now-famous elephant print, and the Jumpman logo on the tongue.

Each new Jordan built on the last one. The Air Jordan 4 (1989) added plastic side wings that let you lace the shoe in different ways, plus mesh panels to help your feet breathe. The Air Jordan 5 (1990) took ideas from a World War II fighter plane, with "shark teeth" on the midsole. The Air Jordan 6 added a heel pull tab, and the Air Jordan 11 (1995) brought patent leather to the basketball court. These ideas still define what a classic Jordan looks like.

Shoppers often ask which of Hatfield's classics is the most comfortable for everyday wear.

JD Expert Question: Which Tinker Hatfield Jordan is the most comfortable to wear every day?

JD Expert Answer: For all-day wear, the Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 11 are our top picks. The Jordan 3 has a cushioned heel and a roomy middle, and the Jordan 11 has a full-length cushioned sole and a supportive fit. The Air Jordan 4 is the most popular for style, but its toe box is snug, so wide feet should go up a half size. Expect a short break-in with any leather retro.

• Air Jordan 3 to 6 (1988 to 1991):

• Look: Visible Air, bold overlays and classic shapes that are easy to style today.

• Feel: Firm, solid soles that feel supportive. Expect a short break-in.

• Air Jordan 7 to 11 (1992 to 1995):

• Look: Sleeker designs with less visible tech, like the Jordan 11's patent leather.

• Feel: Snugger, sock-like fits, like the Jordan 7's stretchy inner sleeve, and a lighter feel on foot.

• Air Jordan 3: The shoe that started the Tinker era. Comfortable and easy to wear. Shop the Air Jordan 3.
• Air Jordan 4: The most popular for everyday style, with side wings and mesh. Shop the Air Jordan 4.
• Air Jordan 6: A sleek '90s design with a heel pull tab. Shop the Air Jordan 6.
• Air Jordan 11: Patent leather and a dressier look for big occasions. Shop the Air Jordan 11.
• Air Jordan 13: A later Tinker design with a paw-print sole and a holographic eye. Shop the Air Jordan 13.

• Most people: Buy your true size in the Jordan 3, 4, 6, 11 and 13.
• Wide feet: Go up a half size in the Jordan 3 and Jordan 4, since their toe boxes run narrow.
• Vs. Nike and adidas: Most people wear the same size in these Jordans as in their other Nike sneakers.
• Kids: Big kids' (GS) sizes fit the same way. Leave about a thumb's width at the toe. See kids' Jordans at JD Sports.

• Who is Tinker Hatfield? He's a Nike designer and former architect who designed the Air Jordan 3 through the Air Jordan 15, plus later models.
• What was Tinker Hatfield's first Air Jordan? The Air Jordan 3, released in 1988.
• Did Tinker Hatfield design the Air Jordan 1? No. The Air Jordan 1 was designed by Peter Moore. Hatfield took over with the Jordan 3.
• What is the best Tinker Hatfield Jordan to buy? For comfort, the Jordan 3 or Jordan 11. For everyday style, the Jordan 4.

Who should buy a Tinker Hatfield-era Jordan?

• For comfort: Choose the Air Jordan 3 or Air Jordan 11.
• For everyday style: Choose the Air Jordan 4.
• For the history fan: Collect the run from the Jordan 3 to the Jordan 6 to see how Hatfield's ideas grew.
• Ready to shop? Browse all Jordan retro shoes at JD Sports.

• Brand History: Background on Tinker Hatfield's Air Jordan designs, from the Air Jordan 3 to the Air Jordan 15.
• Nike Product Information: Details on materials such as elephant print, mesh and patent leather.
• Design History: Background on visible Air, the Jordan 4's side wings and the Jordan 7's inner sleeve.
• JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and comfort feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.