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

Drake’s Unreleased Air Jordan 9 OVO PE From 2018 Surfaces

Ideally, 2025 will go better for one Audrey Graham, aiming to bounce back after some harrowing music industry moments in ’24. For our purposes, his...

By Matt Varga January 2, 2025
1479

Kobe Bryant’s Unreleased Nike Kobe V Supreme Sample Emerges In White

depeche23mode‘s archives continue to bear fruit. With a fresh selection of PE, sample and unreleased pairs, the collector’s closet has unleashed some extremely notable slices...

By Matt Varga December 26, 2024
3392

Rare Nike Kobe 5 Supreme Sample From 2010 Reveals Ankle Cuff Insert

depeche23mode, one of the most storied sneaker collectors and sellers, continues to serve Holiday goodies for sneaker historians. After the Jordan 3 “Tinker UNC” and...

By Matt Varga December 24, 2024
13163

This Rare Nike Kobe 5 “All-Star” Sample From 2010 Just Sold For Thousands

As large a magnifying glass is placed on the legendary on-court history of Kobe Bryant, a never-before-seen glimpse into his legacy hits the newswire every...

By Matt Varga December 23, 2024
2660

Nike SB Dunk Low “OFF!” Bug Spray Sample Surfaces

The Nike SB archive is rife with unofficial Dunk collaborations, and while we’re all familiar with grails like the “Heineken” and “Freddy Krueger,” there are...

By Andrew Rizzo December 4, 2024
1995

Unreleased Travis Scott Jordan Collaboration Samples On Display At ComplexCon

The one and only La Flame continues to be the strongest needle-mover in the Nike, Inc. roster of creative partners, which is why all eyes...

By Sneaker News November 16, 2024
1119

An Early Look At A 2025 Nike SB Dunk Low “Cool Grey”

Another advanced preview of an upcoming Nike SB Dunk Low release for 2025 has emerged; this skate-shop only release continues a series of simple, skate-focused...

By Sneaker News November 12, 2024
8931

Fat Joe Reveals An Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 With Arabic Text

Fat Joe is well canonized in sneakers, owner of a collection that can go toe to toe with quite literally anyone in the hobby. In...

By Matt Varga September 13, 2024
2274

The adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low Appears In Unreleased Grey

The Olympics are an opportune time for brands to cash in on the heightened excitement around sports. Competition has a profound effect on consumer purchasing,...

By Sneaker News August 12, 2024
6545