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 SB Air Jordan 4 “Sea Crystal” Inspired By Sandy Bodecker’s Favorite SB Dunks
Some of the most fascinating sneakers in Nike’s history are the ones that never make it to retail. A previously unseen Nike SB Air Jordan...
Here’s The “Navy” Jordan Jumpman Jack Travis Scott Wore In Los Angeles
The stars are always out in Hollywood, but Jordan Brand really put its roster on full display for the earnest announcement of its Space Jam...
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 Look-see Sample In Black/Yellow Has Emerged
A previously unseen Off-White x Air Jordan 1 sample from 2017 has surfaced, revealing a Black/Yellow colorway created during Virgil Abloh’s groundbreaking work with Nike...
Check Out This Unreleased Teyana Taylor Air Jordan 3 Sample
Teyana Taylor is still reaping the benefits of a tremendous 2026, where she co-starred in the year’s Best Picture winner and redoubled her status as...
Scarr’s Pizza x Nike Air Force 1 Low 2026 Sample Unveiled
We’re officially on grail alert. The Scarr’s Pizza x Nike Air Force 1, a 2019 friends-and-family pair by the LES slice joint that once commanded...
Behind The Scenes Of Boyz II Men Choosing Their Air Jordan 11
Many folks debut Jordan PEs every year. Few are able to attract the attention that Boyz II Men have with their Air Jordan 11 designs...
The Air Jordan 14 Joins The “EYBL” PE Lineup
The Air Jordan 14 has been serving as the canvas for Jordan Brand’s latest run of college PEs, delivering streamlined “Ferrari”-esque styles across the Jumpman’s...
Jordan Brand Almost Dropped An Air Jordan 6 “Iridescent Bred”
We’re routinely impressed by the size and scope of the unreleased Air Jordan sample archive, often hit with first looks out of nowhere at designs...
Nike Air Max 1 “Low Poly” Sample Emerges In Grey
The Nike Air Max 1 “Low Poly” already ranks among the brand’s most inventive recent releases of the dotSwoosh era, and a newly surfaced production...