It’s not everyday that we get a look at a pair of kicks this old, rare or intriguing. What you are looking at is an early prototype for the Air Jordan 1 that was obviously changed quite a bit before releasing in the final form that we have come to know and love. This prototype sample features a number of glaring differences from the eventual retail version, most notably a significantly higher cut around the ankle, a completely different midsole and outsole and an alternate shape for the mudguard section of the toe as it makes its way up to the lower eyelet holes. Also of interest, you might be wondering about the “BIG JOHN” printing on the heel section of the ankle. Apparently, this sample was made up specially for Nike’s sales manager back in January of 1984, who went by the nickname of, you guessed it, Big John. Keep reading after the jump for a look at some more pics of this incredible sample including some side-by-side comparison shots with the actual OG Air Jordan 1 in the same colorway. Big thanks to zoopreme700 for the pics and the heads-up.
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BELOW ARE THE CURRENT LISTINGS FOR THESE KICKS ON EBAY:
[If kicks below are a random assortment, desired kicks are not currently available on eBay.]
September 28th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
i know this nigga
September 28th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
DEY SHOULD CALL IT NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 ORIGINATOR AND I WOULD COPP IF DEY RELEASE DEM
September 29th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Always love seeing some TRULY deadstock OG 1s!
September 29th, 2009 at 2:21 am
I think that Nike will one day release all prototypes I mean just think about your favorite shoe 2x but if sothey should keep them very limted to keep there value.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:35 am
damn! speechless
September 29th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Wow… awesome visual history. I think the sole on the “Big John” is actually a better design the what transpired on the 1 but the rest of the changes look better on the 1.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Those are Air Ships that were done up in a Jordan colorway. Clearly most of the “trim” is just paint. More accurately, they’d have to be considered an early “custom” to see what the Air Jordan I upper would look like in action.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
bob ya shit is extra fake lol
September 29th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
LIKE The Spirit of Mars Blackmon SAYS IT’S NOT A PAIR OF NIKE AIR JORDAN BUT A PAIR OF NIKE AIR SHIP …. JORDAN CUSTOM LIKE …
September 29th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
If they r prototypes from 84 why is there a jumpman on the box?
September 29th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Well obviously that box with the jumpman is for his pair of ones.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
idk y but they look like the spike lee nike bigs that are coming out imo
September 30th, 2009 at 4:15 am
i would say that this are the prototypes of jordan known as chicago.
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4006/79241215614318385146964.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4707/79241215614358386146964.jpg