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
An Early Look At A 2025 Nike SB Dunk Low “Cool Grey”
Updated March 23rd, 2025: A closer look at the upcoming Nike SB Dunk Low Pro ISO “Cool Grey” has appeared. A release is expected Summer...
First Look At An Unreleased Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Glow in The Dark” Sample
Portland’s Index continues to reveal pairs of Foamposites that never made it beyond the cutting room floor. This unreleased version of the Air Foamposite Pro...
The Unreleased Nike Air Foamposite” New York Yankees” Sample Has Emerged
The recent resurgence of Foamposites have increased the demand for the foam-molded basketball shoe, although it still has a way to go if it wants...
Nike Air Foamposite “Bronze Cough Drop” Sample Emerges
The recent response to the iconic Galaxy Foamposite release has proven that with the right marile the keting strategy and efforts, Nike can reclaim the...
The Mythical Off-White x Air Jordan 4 “Bred” Is Up For Sale For $60,000
Simon Tan, aka @depeche23mode, has a penchant for making headlines, frequently trotting out unreleased, extremely limited, or sample-only footwear. However, the man may have outdone...
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...
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...
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...
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...