The 80s and 90s were decades chock-full of media featuring all kinds of technologically advanced vehicles. Whether your vehicle of choice roamed the streets, sailed the seven seas, or took to the skies above, there’s a great chance you’d find a TV series or movie centered around it. Among all these mobile legends of the screen was the unforgettable Airwolf helicopter, a modified Bell 222 with cutting-edge technology and sweet aesthetics to match. If you’ve missed this deadly aircraft, you’ll be pleased to know we’ve brought it back with our Airwolf Jordan 11 concept sneakers.
The base model of the Airwolf was actually a popular civilian helicopter of the era known as the Bell 222. But, of course, Airwolf wasn’t just any old Bell 222. The aircraft received several prop enhancements (such as turbojet engines, retractable chain guns, rocket launchers, and a lick of paint) to turn it into the deadly beauty it was. The credit for this incredible transformation has to go to Andrew Probert —a talented designer whose extensive design portfolio also boasts the design of Star Trek’s most iconic vehicles.
The change was far from insignificant and played a huge role in the lasting fame the helicopter now enjoys. Which is why we believe it deserves a reimagining in the form of our Airwolf Jordan 11 sneaker concept.
Once again, our designers at Sneaker Fortress have beautifully translated the aesthetics of the 80s military helicopter onto the Tinker Hatfield-designed silhouette. This time, though, the inspiration does extend beyond just the helicopter itself. Our creatives have also added elements from the show’s opening sequence into the look.
First up is the black patent leather mudguard that wraps around the bottom of the shoe. This element is a somewhat obvious nod to the helicopter’s slick black upper, but a detail we still believe every Airwolf-inspired sneaker should have.
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Next, nubuck adorns the tongue and upper half of the shoe, presented in a faded black/ash grey shade. Also included on the uppers are vivid red details that can be found on the decorative stitching, laces, and lace tabs, which reference the Airwolf logo from the opening sequences of the first three seasons. We should also highlight that the lace tabs sport black ‘Airwolf’ lettering running across them.
But our designers haven’t skimped on any details. Also attached to the shoe is an ‘Airwolf’ tag with a graphic of the high-speed jet front and centre.
The sneakers finish off with a semi-translucent grey outsole that references Airwolf’s underbelly and the attire worn by its crew. This dark colour is contrasted by a pure white midsole above and a hint of extra red on the bottom half of the outsole.
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What are your thoughts on these Airwolf Jordan 11 sneakers? Do they spark a trip down memory lane, taking you back to the cherished series of the 80s?
