This Air Jordan 11 Tinker Hatfield Sample is Ultra Premium
PublishedQuick Facts
- A rare Air Jordan 11 sample for Tinker Hatfield has appeared online
- The colorway uses ultra-premium materials and features branding for the designer
- Unfortunately, the sample dates to 2012 and will not see a public release
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Without Tinker Hatfield, we wouldn’t have Jordan Brand or Nike as we know it today. That’s a lofty claim, but one that can be backed up with evidence. You see, after Michael Jordan contemplated jumping ship from The Swoosh following his Air Jordan 2 release, the third signature sneaker had to be a hit, and Nike enlisted Tinker to design the Jordan 3. Mike fell in love with the shoe, and from then on, Hatfield would design every Jordan that MJ played in for the rest of his days on the Chicago Bulls. He would also go on to design the Air Jordan 20, 23, 25, and 29. Oh, and he also designed the Air Max 1. There’s a ton more in Tinker’s portfolio, but one of his greatest achievements is the Air Jordan 11, which just appeared in a special makeup for the designer.
The pair, which dates back to 2012, features a purple-tinted metallic patent leather overlay that matches the metallic Jumpman used on the collar. In addition to this premium-looking material, the rest of the upper is coated in a supple buttery leather and receives updated branding details. The “JUMPMAN JORDAN” tag on the tongue is replaced with nods to Hatfield, while the heel tab swaps out the 23 or 45 that is usually there with his initials, TH.
Inside, we see original sketches and reference materials for the Air Jordan 11 stamped onto the insole. You can see a variety of sports cars and early renditions of the model during development, some of which have been seen online before. Down below sits a white Phylon midsole and a full-length icy blue rubber outsole. Honestly, seeing a pair of Jordan 11s that are 14 years old in such great condition is amazing to see.
Not much else is known about the Air Jordan 11 Tinker Hatfield Sample besides the fact that it exists and that it was developed in 2012. Fitting that pgknows decided to share the ultra-rare colorway today as April 30 is Tinker’s birthday. Check below for images of the shoe, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
