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 LeBron 11 Low “Dunkman” – Promo Sample on eBay

The “Dunkman” colorway is one of the oldest tricks in the book as far as the Nike LeBron line is concerned. That nuclear look will...

By Brendan Dunne March 29, 2014
2213

Nike Air Zoom Generation “SVSM” PE on eBay

The Nike Air Zoom Generation is probably the sneaker that makes the most sense as an SVSM player exclusive, as that model is the closest...

By Brendan Dunne March 26, 2014
823

SVSM, Watch the Throne, and More Legendary Nike LeBron PEs

We’re in the middle of trying to whittle down a field of 32 Nike LeBron sneakers to a single greatest pair in the line via...

By Brendan Dunne March 20, 2014
35678

A Look at an Unreleased Nike ParaNorman Sample

The sneaker world changed a good bit during the time between the release of Coraline and Laika’s next animated feature, Paranorman.  The Foamposite line absolutely exploded in popularity,...

By Aaron Hope March 17, 2014
5031

Another Unreleased Nike Kobe 8 Colorway Appears

Aside from his contract extension with the Lakers, their likely placement among the top 2014 NBA Draft picks and the positive reception from the new...

By Aaron Hope March 15, 2014
4511

Air Jordan 10 “Stealth” – Unreleased Sample on eBay

Can you spot the differences between this sample version of the Jordan 10 “Stealth” and the final pair that made it to retail? First of...

By Brendan Dunne March 7, 2014
1912

Air Jordan 9 “Mesa Orange” Sample on eBay

Just how many Air Jordan 9s will we be treated to this year? That remains uncertain, but we know for sure that the shoe is...

By Brendan Dunne March 7, 2014
3001

Was the Air Jordan 5 Supposed to Retro in 1995?

Air Jordan retros first happened back in 1994, when Michael’s first three sneakers were re-introduced and the Swoosh first realized how much mileage was still...

By Brendan Dunne March 6, 2014
5350