Nike Air Safari

The Nike Air Safari, designed by Tinker Hatfield and launched in 1987, combined performance running technology with daring aesthetics. It introduced what we now know as Nike's safari print, a design element we've seen used widely by Nike over the years. Its rugged materials and bold animal print set it apart in the late ’80s, signaling a new direction for Nike’s sneaker designs. Collectors prioritize the Air Safari for its pioneering use of animal print and its influence on the crossover between athletic footwear and streetwear fashion. Its distinct adventurous style helped pave the way for future Nike+Jordan collaborations. While it doesn’t match the mainstream hype of Jordan Brand releases, the Air Safari holds a unique place as an early example of Tinker Hatfield’s boundary-pushing design ethos.