Sneaker Visionary Christian Tresser Returns to Nike as Expert Designer at Jordan Brand

Christian Tresser is a legend in the sneaker game. The long-haired designer responsible for crafting the Air Max 97, Air Zoom Spiridon, and Mercurial has made his mark on the industry at Nike and beyond, working with Yeezy at adidas and more. Now, after a long hiatus away from the brand, Tresser is heading back to Beaverton with a new role on the Jordan side of things.

Tresser announced the move in a series of self-portraits on Instagram with his white hair flowing in front of Jordan buildings on Nike’s campus alongside the caption “Back to the Future.” Tresser’s post was followed up by more info from sneaker newsman Brendan Dunne, who posted that Tresser is back with the Swoosh to “work at Jordan Brand as a senior expert designer on speed to market footwear.”

In the past, Tresser has looked to natural formations and the world around him to influence his design aesthetic. When designing the Silver Bullet Air Max 97, Tresser said that it was the ripples in a pond that served as inspiration, not the Japanese bullet trains that often get referenced with the name. After a mixed bag of retro colorways over the past few years, we’re hopeful to see some of those heady vibes and well-thought-out designs seep into new Jordan colorways and models.

There’s no word on any specific projects Tresser is working on at Jordan Brand as far as shoes, but he’s already back on campus, so it’s only a matter of time before new designs start hitting shelves. For all the latest Jordan news and release info, don’t forget to download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com