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 Sportswear’s Jonathon Johnson-Griffin Talks LeBron 11 EXT and Denim Samples

Just like the “Blue Suede” before it, the Nike LeBron 11 “Denim” existed in a couple of different sample forms before the final retail version...

By John Kim May 16, 2014
6158

Nike Air Huarache – Green Abyss – Turbo Green

The Nike Huarache line has never been one to get too graphic. Descendants of its lineage like the Presto have more embraced that approach, but...

By Brendan Dunne May 13, 2014
3784

fragment design x Nike KD 6 Elite Sample

The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low HTM isn’t the only pair of Nike Basketball sneakers that Hiroshi Fujiwara has recently had his hands in. Shown...

By Brendan Dunne May 13, 2014
8115

An Unreleased Air Jordan 5 “Easter White 3M” Sample

Remember that Air Jordan 5 “Easter” GS pair that showed up last year? Apparently that wasn’t the only pastel pair sampled up – check out...

By Brendan Dunne May 8, 2014
5578

Nike LeBron 2 Low “White/Gum” Sample on eBay

The talk of a possible LeBron retro has sort of died down in 2014. King James himself cooled it on the older pairs and of...

By Brendan Dunne May 7, 2014
2381

Nike Roshe Run “Tech” Promo Sample on eBay

This just might be the rarest Nike Roshe Run out there. Not too much info on the Nike Roshe Run “Tech” even exists, but from...

By Brendan Dunne May 4, 2014
2273