Things We Learned About Tinker Hatfield From His Episode of 'How I Rock It'

The legendary designer switches things up.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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A lot has been said about Tinker Hatfield. His work for Nike and the Air Jordan line has earned him a spot in footwear design history. That doesn't even take into account the countless other design projects at the brand that he's had a hand in.

Last night, Esquire TV's show 'How I Rock It', took a trip inside Nike World Headquarters to talk to one of the coolest sneaker designers on the planet. From a behind-the-scenes look at the Nike DNA warehouse, to seeing Tinker roll down the street in his old-school Volkswagon van, here are a few Things We Learned From Tinker Hatfield's Episode of 'How I Rock It'.

Tinker drives a white and turquoise VW van.

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Tinker likes to talk about "real life" with players he designs for.

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Tinker's key to success is not taking no for an answer.

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Bill Bowerman brought Tinker to Nike in 1981.

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Tinker keeps a UNC Air Jordan XX8 on his desk.

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He coaches pole vault and reviews the tape on his iPad.

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Tinker wants his legacy to be that he was an excellent mentor.

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Tinker can design whatever he wants.

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Tinker is happiest when other people accomplish something special.

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He credits a lot of his design approach to Bill Bowerman.

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Tinker designed the Air Jordan XI after Nike executives told him to stop designing Air Jordans

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The Air Max was one of the first shoes Tinker worked on at Nike.

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Nike Keeps all their designs in the DNA warehouse.

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The Air Jordan XI was Tinker's favorite to design.

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