The vibrant years of the 80s and 90s witnessed an invasion of movies and television series introducing us to some truly unforgettable characters from far-flung galaxies. Surely, the likes of ET, Yoda, and Spock are household names that nearly everyone recognises. However, there’s another charming ‘Alien Life Form’, lovingly abbreviated as ALF, that held a special place in the hearts of families during these decades. He may be a lesser-sung hero of yesteryears’ family entertainment, but his quirky sense of humour and endearing antics still bring a smile to those who fondly remember him. That’s precisely the inspiration behind our Air Jordan 11 “ALF” sneaker concept, a fitting homage to this iconic figure from our television past.
Remembering ALF
If you share a sense of humour with witty movie star Ryan Reynolds, chances are you might also have been obsessed with this wise-cracking alien known for his cat-eating habits and penchant for stirring up trouble in the Tanner household. With his unmatched blend of witticisms and warmth, ALF earned a solid spot in the hearts of those who grew up during his era.
Granted, he might not have been the most adorable or popular extraterrestrial on our televisions, but ALF undeniably etched his mark on the minds of countless viewers who invited him into their homes on a weekly basis. The character had such an impact that even his pre-earthly escapades on Planet Melmac were chronicled in an animated TV series, further exploring his tale before he crash-landed on our planet and found his way into the Tanner family.
While Ryan Reynolds has collaborated with Paul Fusco, the creator of the popular ’80s sitcom, to reintroduce the quick-witted alien on his Maximum Effort Channel (primarily for infomercial purposes), the fond memories of watching ALF navigate life amidst a human family, all while steering clear of the government, will always hold a special place in our hearts. ALF’s one-of-a-kind comedic style and distinctive personality make him a cherished character who continues to captivate fans across the globe. His character certainly resonates with us here at Sneaker Fortress, so we have decided to honour ALF through one of our all-time favourite sneaker models, the Air Jordan 11.
A Closer Look at the Sneaker Design
The bottom half of the sneaker wears a tasteful brown patent leather mudguard, complemented by heels of the same gleaming material. This shade of brown, mirrored in the inner lining and laces, importantly reflects the signature hue associated with our favourite alien. Now, it might not be an exact match to his familiar furry coat, but it’s still an unmistakable nod to him.
Meanwhile, the tongue and upper half of the sneaker showcase a smooth, matte suede finish in the perfect shade of grey. We flirted with the idea of introducing a fuzzy texture to the tongue but eventually favoured keeping the aesthetic simple, sleek, and modern.
So, instead of overdoing it, we opted for a single standout feature that unmistakably ties the shoe’s design to its inspiration. The lace tabs sport a vibrant red “ALF” lettering borrowed from the original ALF television series. This touch helps anchor the sneaker back to the show while still ensuring its broad wearability. It’s a subtle yet effective tie-in that will surely delight the show’s fans- although I won’t lie, I was rooting for the fur.
Adding the perfect concluding note, the design boasts a semi-transparent outsole with a soft, subdued brown shade and a gritty grey midsole. The overall design captures the essence of the alien character while still remaining stylish and wearable for everyday use.
However, as stated earlier, these sneakers exist only as a concept, not actual custom or official footwear. Nevertheless, ALF fans can admire the considerable imagination reflected in this design. It might even serve as an inspiration for future customs featuring the much-loved character. So, if you’d like to see more custom sneakers and concept designs inspired by characters you love, remember to follow us here at Sneaker Fortress.
What do you think of these Air Jordan 11 “ALF” sneakers? Do you think the colour scheme works on the AJ11? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: IMDB
