Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black/Lightning” Sample Surfaces
An unreleased Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black/Lightning” sample has surfaced, offering another glimpse into the experimental designs Virgil Abloh and Nike were developing during the early years of their partnership.
Dating back to 2018, the black-and-yellow Air Jordan 1 was never released to the public and reportedly was not included in the Virgil Abloh Archive. According to collector @ryancooper___, only three pairs of the sample were produced, making the sneaker an exceptionally rare piece of Off-White x Jordan history.
The color blocking is built around a predominantly black upper, contrasted by vibrant Lightning yellow accents across the ankle collar, oversized Swoosh, laces, and outsole. White stitching adds additional contrast, giving the sample a distinctly different appearance from the Off-White Air Jordan 1s that eventually received retail releases.
Abloh’s signature deconstructed approach remains present throughout the design. Details include “AIR” branding on the midsole, Off-White text on the medial side, exposed construction elements, and an oversized Swoosh secured with blue stitching. An orange tab near the heel provides another unexpected pop of color.
The sample also features details specifically associated with its unreleased status. A “SAMPLE” stamp appears on the inner heel, while two sample tags are attached to the shoe. The package reportedly also includes a dedicated sample bag and additional blue, orange, and grey lace sets featuring Off-White branding.
While unreleased Virgil Abloh footwear samples have surfaced periodically, the “Black/Lightning” Air Jordan 1 offers an interesting look at the number of concepts being explored during the early Off-White x Nike era. Before final retail designs were selected, Abloh and Nike were experimenting with a wide range of colors, materials, and construction details.
The Off-White x Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black/Lightning” Sample is not expected to receive a retail release. According to @ryancooper___, the extremely rare pair is currently available to collectors through serious offers.
Photos: @ryancooper___
