Back in 2018, Virgil Abloh was still deep into his early Jordan work, and this black-and-yellow Air Jordan 1 sample was one of the ideas that stayed behind the scenes. The pair never released, never appeared in the Virgil Abloh Archive, and collector @ryancooper___ says only three pairs were made.

The Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black/Lightning” Sample gets its name from the actual colorway. Black covers most of the upper, while Lightning yellow lands on the ankle, oversized Swoosh, laces, and outsole. White contrast stitching runs through the darker sections and gives the shoe a much different look from the Off-White Jordan 1s that made it to retail.

Virgil’s usual design language is still easy to spot throughout the shoe, including “AIR” printed along the midsole, Off-White text on the medial side, and the exposed construction that became a major part of his early Nike work. The oversized yellow Swoosh is stitched down with blue thread, while a small orange tab near the heel adds another hit of color.

Several sample-specific details also come with the pair, including a “SAMPLE” stamp on the inner heel, two attached sample tags, and a separate sample bag. Three extra sets of laces in blue, orange, and grey are included as well, each carrying the same Off-White treatment.

Unreleased Virgil Abloh samples have continued to surface over the years, but this one stands out because it was not included among the pieces shown through the Virgil Abloh Archive. That gives collectors another look at how many different ideas were being tested during the early Off-White x Nike run before the final retail versions were locked in.

The Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black/Lightning” Sample is not expected to release. @ryancooper___ is currently taking serious offers from interested buyers.

Stay up to date with all upcoming Air Jordan releases from our Air Jordan Release Dates page.