The first cross-trainer athletic shoe was the Nike Air Trainer 1, invented by designer Tinker Hatfield. It was introduced in 1987, according to KicksOnFire.com. The shoe featured lateral support for side-to-side movements as well as light weight and flexibility for running.
Tinker Hatfield
Tinker Hatfield, who previously worked as an architect, was inspired to create the Air Trainer while watching people participate in different activities at the gym. He thought buyers might like a shoe that could be worn for more than one sport.
Success
The Air Trainer was popularized by John McEnroe and some professional basketball players. Nike further developed the Air Trainers and eventually reissued it in the mid 1990s. The Air Trainer's success sparked many similar products from other manufacturers.
Marketing
The cross-training shoe, marketed as the shoe for the all-around athlete, established a new category of athletic shoe. Today's consumer has even more choices in colors, styles, materials and prices in this category alone.
Tags: Tinker Hatfield, athletic shoe