Sample
Sample sneakers are pairs produced to test how designs look in practice and functionally perform. In the long process of bringing a sneaker from the whiteboard to store shelves, sample pairs are one of the final steps in that operation. It’s also one of the most captivating for sneakerheads, allowing consumers to engage with the ever-enticing question of “what if,” as well as baking in some inherent ultra-exclusivity. While any in the category will often become an object of fascination, samples of hyped silhouettes or collaborations can often command resale prices above 5 digits.
Just ahead you’ll find a collection of our articles regarding sample pairs from the likes of Jordan Brand, adidas, Nike and every major sneaker brand.
Sample
Nike Air Flight ’89 ‘True Blue’ Sample
The Nike Air Flight ’89 was one of the first sneakers to represent Nike Basketball’s ‘Flight’ wing (the anti-thesis to the rough-edged Force). At that...
Jason Petrie Teases Unreleased Nike LeBron 9 Colorways
Jason Petrie has been one of the more community-involved Nike designers in recent memory. They guy loves his craft, and more importantly, loves to discuss...
Nike Lunar Hypergamer – Camo – Action Red | Sample on eBay
Since when was it appropriate to have camouflage print on the NBA court? We’ve seen military-inspired prints on athletic gear before (the San Diego Padres’...
Nike Cradle Rock Low 2011 – White – Metallic Silver – Cannon
With the NBA lockout in full effect, does Nike stall its production of basketball shoes for the 2011-12 season? Nike is one to plan ahead,...
Nike Zoom Hyperforce – Orange – Grey | Sample on eBay
The Nike Hyper Basketball lineage has branched out quite rapidly since the original Nike Hyperdunk. Followed by the Hyperize, the full-length Air Max versions of...
Nike Air Max Barkley – Action Red | Sample on eBay
Charles Barkley’s signature line with Nike during the 90’s stands as one of the greatest anomalies in footwear history. Signature footwear lines are typically dominated...
Nike Spring 2012 Footwear Preview
Nike’s one to plan ahead, even as far as the Spring 2012 season. Here’s a thorough preview of what’s to come from Nike Running, Nike...
Reebok John Wall Zig Slash II – Black – Blue
Earlier today Sneaker News showed you a new version of the Reebok Zig Slash, presumably the Zig Slash II. That colorway of White/Black/Red didn’t seem...
Nike Air Hypershox – Black – White – Sample
At the turn of the century when the Boing Boing was king, Nike Basketball pushed its all-new Shox technology as the best available Nike performance...