Ah, the 80s. It was a magical time for pop culture, where catchy tunes from icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna were the anthems, strident fashion choices made waves, and unforgettable TV shows had everyone glued to their screens. This period was also rife with TV shows based on military and action themes. Do names like A-Team, Call to Glory, and Tour of Duty ring any bells? How about the classic TV show Airwolf? This military drama series took audiences on thrilling adventures alongside its protagonist, Stringfellow Hawke, becoming a staple of 80s television. Well, guess what? We’ve decided to infuse a pinch of 80s nostalgia with a dash of modern cool and brought back the iconic Airwolf as a custom sneaker concept starring the Air Jordan 11.
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Combining the iconic design of the Air Jordan 11 with the sleek aesthetic of the Airwolf helicopter, our creative genius, Brandon Krige, has concocted a concept sneaker design that is nothing short of a heartfelt homage to the beloved show. Many will remember the classic TV show’s focus on the technologically advanced aircraft (known as Airwolf) and the pilots’ high-stakes missions. But it wasn’t just the advanced machinery and the suspense-filled exploits that kept everyone glued to the screen. Its captivating characters and enthralling plotlines played a significant part in captivating viewers.
The dashing Jan-Michael Vincent and the eminent Ernest Borgnine enthralled audiences in this story revolving around a highly sophisticated helicopter crafted for ‘the Firm’, a covert division of the CIA. However, this inventive masterpiece is secretly purloined by its brilliant yet somewhat unhinged creator. Enter the enigmatic pilot, Stringfellow Hawke (Vincent), who, along with his wise and fatherly figure, Dominic Santini (Borgnine), bravely sets off on a thrilling mission to retrieve this stolen treasure. Of course, our daring duo manages to maintain control of the elusive aircraft and continue to take on daring missions for ‘the Firm.” This yesteryear narrative teems with adventure, adrenaline, and futuristic technology that make it a timeless tale of audacity and innovation.
The concept sneaker by Brandon Krige captures the futuristic essence of the hit TV show and celebrates its lasting influence on pop culture. A black patent leather upper wraps around the bottom half of the sneaker, creating a sleek and modern look. Of course, this shiny black material pays homage to the iconic black helicopter Hawke and Santini flew in the show. The tongue and top half of the upper then boast a stunning matte suede finish in the perfect shade of grey. The colour choice is reminiscent of the underbelly of the Airwolf, and the grey pilot suits the characters wore.
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The decorative stitching along the upper is brought to life with a vibrant red that perfectly matches the “Airwolf” lettering on the sneakers’ lace tabs. But the details don’t end there. A touch of flair is added to the concept design with the addition of the “Airwolf” tag dangling from the sneaker’s crisp white laces. The tag boasts the image of the high-speed aircraft from the well-loved 80s television series and makes the perfect accessory for this Air Jordan 11 sneaker.
Putting the final touch on this unique design is a semi-translucent outsole, tastefully rendered in delicate shades of light grey with a textured midsole in a deeper hue shade. This harmonious play between light and dark grey hues crafts a contemporary and sleek appeal, which flawlessly enhances the iconic silhouette of the Air Jordan 11 sneakers while simultaneously paying tribute to the beloved aircraft.
Although this captivating sneaker concept is exactly that – a concept – be sure to keep your eyes peeled on our site. Who knows, we might have a surprise in store in the future!
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Do these Airwolf x Air Jordan 11 sneakers capture the sleek and powerful essence of the original helicopter?
Source: IMDB
