The man behind some of the most iconic sneakers of all time is back with a new pair of signature kicks for Swiss tennis star Roger Federer.

The Zoom Vapor 9 Tour was designed by Tinker Hatfield to be both lightweight and supportive. Using a special lacing system, the laces, when pulled tight, essentially reach all the way down to the arch of the foot, providing support and a customized lockdown fit. Finally, a TPU frame at the bottom edge of the upper helps to keep the foot and upper from rolling over the sole when moving laterally.

Check out this new video as Tinker and and Federer discuss the design and inspiration behind the new tennis kicks.

- Via ITSB.

Tinker Hatfield, graduate of the University of Oregon, designed the Air Jordan 3 and his designs still resonate in many sneakers today. This common trait that the Jordan III and Hatfield have, gives the U of O the honor to put their stamp on this classic sneaker. Instead of the red ‘Jumpman’, this particular III features the yellow Oregon ‘O’ on the tongue, and duck feet on the back (being that the mascot of the University of Oregon is the duck.) Besides those highlights, it is basically a black cement III. Check out more images below.

Via PDXkeith

“What does the future look like for sneakers at Nike?” Tinker responds…

Soon to be officially announced and introduced is the Nike Air Mag 2011, known as the iconic sneaker worn by Marty McFly in the movie “Back to the Future II”. Several months ago in May of this year, Tinker Hatfield unveiled the Nike Air Mag 2011 in a 20 minute interview with sports announcer Gus Johnson. This exclusive interview also encompasses the history and the present era of Oregon University and its sports programs, Tinker Hatfield’s history with the Oregon University and the state, and of course the success and the future of Nike and Jordan Brand. If you want to jump to the Nike Air Mag 2011 segment, skip to the 12:38 minute mark on the video. 

Tinker Hatfield and Jordan Brand are pretty much synonymous, given his influence in the shoe game to this day. His latest work of art comes in the form of the new Air Jordan Alpha I (1), which sports a subtle yet sweet birch/black/orange blaze colorway. The shoe is covered in an off-white birch leather upper with black accents at the swoosh, midsole, insole, and Jordan symbols. Orange blaze is placed at the padded inner lining, contrast stitching, and outsole, as well as on the printed text on the insole. The clear outsole definitely kills it, making this a shoe you don’t want to miss out on. It hits retailers such February 15th for a price of $125 each.

Via Wish.

Tinker Hatfield’s monumental Nike Air Safari is back for another go around, set to see two new releases for this year’s holiday season. Responsible for perpetuating Nike‘s safari print, the model was last released back in 2003. Now, six years later, the sneaker is being fitted with colorways in Black/Orange/White and Black/Grey/Lt. Grey. You can expect both colorways to hit Nike retailers in time for the Holidays.

Last week we confirmed rumors that the Air Jordan III (3) True Blue will hit shelves this coming August. But, there’s a new twist to the drop – cats on the various sneaker forums are claiming the TB III will be an International release only. ‘Heads in Europe and Asia rejoice…maybe. What would you do if you couldn’t get your hands on Air Jordan III (3) True Blue? The Tinker Hatfield classic is my 9th favorite Air Jordan release of all time, and if I couldn’t cop this reissue of a reissue for an exorbitant amount of cash, committing suicide would be the only logical course of action. Dish us your thoughts in the “Comments” box!

In a decision heard ’round the world, Michael Jordan retired from the game of basketball to pursue a career in baseball. His announcement came shortly after the passing of his father, who had always envisioned his son as a Big Leaguer. MJ batted .202 with 3 HR, 51 RBI, 30 stolen bases, and 11 errors in a largely underwhelming campaign that was forever enshrined in cinematic classic Space Jam. (Mike also had a stint with the Scottsdale Scorpions in the 1994 Arizona Fall League.) Jordan sported the Tinker Hatfield-designed Jordan IX (9), his signature for the ’94-95 season in a cleated format. The shoe featured an all-black upper and was distinguished by Jordan’s number “45″ and a clever Jumpman “Globe” logo stitched along the heel. (Tinker crafted the IX in recognition of Jordan and the game of basketball’s newfound global influence.) Via NikeTalk’s American Dream.