Jovani Hernandez Tinker Hatfield has designed incredible footwear for both the Jordan Brand and Nike banners throughout the last 36 years. Yet, some of the most special designs in the 69-year-old’s catalogs have never even hit retail shelves. Instead, they’ve been Player-Exclusive gifts to athletes at the University of Oregon, both his alma mater and “Ground Zero” for NIKE, Inc. Most recently, Hatfield’s P.E. endeavors have crafted an Air Jordan 8 for the school’s football program.
As has been the case on other Jordans prepped for the Oregon Ducks, the newly-surfaced pair indulges in a white, black and green color palette. Premium perforated leather and suede make up the entirety of the sneaker’s upper, with the toe box deviating from its surroundings in a hairy, non-pierced arrangement. Hardware at the tip of each lockdown strap that runs through the center of the shoe is dipped in a shimmering rich green, matching logos placed throughout the top and bottom-half. The university athletic programs’ beloved aquatic mascot is placed on the top of the tongue, and done in the same chenille material Hatfield used when he originally designed the Jordan 8 in 1993. Underfoot, the sole unit also joins in on the Oregon-inspired fun as midsole and outsole components don varying shades of green, glossy black and more.
Enjoy images of the pair here below, and don’t anticipate a Nike SNKRS launch.
For Jumpman-branded footwear you do have a chance of buying at retail, check out the Jordan 4 “Red Thunder” set to arrive on January 15th, 2022.
Photos: nickdepaula
