6 Legendary sneaker designers You must know about

The footwear world is a pretty crazy place in this day and age, with new releases churned out on a weekly basis and fresh silhouettes launching seemingly every month. While we’re absolutely not opposed to the madness of the scene in 2021, we also believe it’s crucial to take a minute to breathe and look back at some of the excellent history in this game.

For that very reason, we’ve delved deep into the Internet to shine the light on six crucial sneaker designers that you must know about. Whether you’re a total newbie to the sneaker game or a seasoned veteran, why not have a read of our list as you may even find out something you never knew before!

Image by means of Jordan Brand
Tinker Hatfield

Notable Silhouettes
Air Jordan 3
Nike Air Max 1
Air Jordan 11
Nike MAG
Air Jordan 4
Nike Air Huarache
Nike Air Max 90

The man, the myth, the legend – Tinker Hatfield is pretty much as good as it gets when it pertains to sneaker designers. He’s highly-likely the man behind your much-loved silhouettes and he was also the sole person responsible for keeping Michael Jordan signed with Nike (Hatfield presented MJ with the AJ3 after the basketball star had expressed worries about his previous models). along with bringing the Air Max technology to life for the first time ever in 1987, Tinker also created the famous Nike MAG for Back to the Future 2.

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Christian Tresser

Notable Silhouettes
Nike Air Max 97
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon
Reebok DMX Daytona
Reebok Aztrek 93
Nike Air Zoom Alpha

As he grew up Christian Tresser originally wanted to become a professional footballer, although he eventually settled to study design at the Academy of Arts in San Francisco. From then he went on to work for several design agencies and eventually Reebok, where he single-handedly created classic runners such as the Aztrek, the DMX Daytona and the 1992 Pyro. His success at Reebok led to him being headhunted by the Swoosh, where he later created the Air Max 97 and the Air Zoom Spiridon as lead footwear designer.

Image by means of Steven Smith
Steven Smith

Notable Silhouettes
Reebok InstaPump Fury
New balance 1500
Nike Air Zoom Spridon Caged 2
Yeezy improve 700
Yeezy Foam RNNR

Perhaps one of the most relevant sneaker designers even today, Steven Smith has tried his hand at design for pretty much every brand under the sun. He worked with Reebok back in the day to produce the legendary InstaPump Fury, took pleasure in a stint at new balance where he serviced projects such as the 1500 and has even tried his hand at Nike, creating the recently-revived Air Zoom Spiridon Caged 2. Of course we can’t mention Mr Smith without touching on his current role at adidas Yeezy, where he’s created models such as the Yeezy improve 700 and the Foam RUNNR. check out our interview with the man himself ideal here!

Image by means of Champs Sports
Sean McDowell

Notable Silhouettes
Nike Air Max Plus/TN
Nike Shox TL
Nike Lunar Racer
Nike Mayfly
Nike Presto Faze

While he may not be the most household name on this list, we’re pretty sure that you’ve probably owned a sneaker created by Sean McDowell at some point in your life. While on holiday in Florida the Nike designer was so inspired by enjoying the sunset on a beach that it led to him creating the now legendary Nike Air Max plus (also known as the Nike TN). considering that then he’s worked with the Swoosh on projects such as the Nike Lunar Racer and the OG VaporMax, while he now works as a freelance design consultant.

Image by means of nitrolicious
Bruce Kilgore

Notable Silhouettes
Nike Air force 1
Air Jordan 2
Nike Air Pressure
Nike Adversary

Early Nike employee Bruce Kilgore is the man behind one of the most popular sneakers on the planet, the Air force 1. before the AF1 he serviced sneakers intended for the tennis court, and even continued this after he created the legendary silhouette. Kilgore is a fine example of a humble genius, as sources state that he hand delivered original prototypes to college basketball players, and only discovered on a factory trip in 1987 (five years after original launch) that the AF1 was still in production!

Image by means of adidas
Peter Moore

Notable Silhouettes
Air Jordan 1
Nike Dunk

Last but not least, it’s only ideal that we touch on Peter Moore, the creative force behind two of the most-hyped silhouettes in the game ideal now. After creating the Nike dunk in 1984, Moore elevated the design additionally and morphed it into the Air Jordan 1, Michael Jordan’s first ever signature sneaker. Rumour has it he even sketched the wings logo onto a napkin during a flight for the first time ever! After his design work with Nike he went on to become global creative director at the Swoosh, although he eventually sailed ship to adidas in 1987 and even briefly acted as CEO for adidas America!

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