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

Could More Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1s Be In The Works?

Virgil Abloh was a man of the culture, climbing his way up from Pyrex Vision all the way to the hallowed ground of Louis Vuitton....

By Michael Le March 30, 2023
25163

Louis Vuitton Once Made A fragment design x Air Jordan 1 From Epi Leather

Louis Vuitton and NIKE, Inc. have cemented their partnership with the help of the late Virgil Abloh, but the two had seemingly worked on a...

By Jovani Hernandez November 17, 2022
10077

Off-White x Air Jordan 4 And More Of Virgil Abloh’s Unreleased Samples On Display At MCA Chicago

As it turns out, there was a lot more in the works before Virgil Abloh whittled it down to “The 10”. On display at MCA...

By Sneaker News June 7, 2019
59840

Ian Connor Reveals Black Colorway of OFF-WHITE x Nike Air Force 1 Low

Virgin Abloh’s OFF-WHITE label is the perfect example of when high-fashion meets streetwear sensibilities and the Kanye compadre is busy working with Nike as of...

By Patrick Johnson February 23, 2017
6645

Comme des Garçons Is The Latest Fashion Staple To Collaborate With The Nike Air Force 1

The Nike Air Force 1 has been on a tear lately, releasing a number of awesome grails like the “Linen” colorway that will be exclusive...

By Patrick Johnson December 2, 2016
8902

Are More Off-White Nike Air Force 1s On The Way?

The Nike Air Force 1 Low is having a moment right now. The naysayers that said nobody was interested in Bruce Kilgore’s iconic 80s basketball...

By Patrick Johnson December 2, 2016
7822

Sneakers That Ignited The Sample and PE Craze: DJ Clark Kent’s “112”

When thinking about the rare sneaker samples that had collectors in the frenzy over the last few years, the name of DJ Clark Kent immediately...

By John Kim June 12, 2014
18510