Rare Virgil Abloh Jordan 1 Alaska Sample Surfaces, Sparks Frenzy

A never-before-seen prototype of Virgil Abloh's iconic Off-White x Air Jordan 1, dubbed the "Alaska" sample, has surfaced online, sending sneaker collectors into a frenzy. The ultra-rare pair, featuring a unique cream and blue colorway with Abloh's signature deconstructed details, was revealed Thursday by prominent sneaker authentication platform Legit Check App.

The discovery is trending nationally as it marks the first new Abloh-designed Jordan 1 colorway to emerge since the late designer's passing in November 2021. Only three pairs of the "Alaska" sample are confirmed to exist, with one currently listed for $250,000 on private resale platforms.

Sneaker analysts confirm this is an authentic 2017 sample from Abloh's original "The Ten" collection. The name references the designer's handwritten "Alaska" label on the shoebox, possibly indicating a planned regional exclusive that never released. Complex Sneakers first reported the backstory after verifying documentation with Nike insiders.

Social media erupted as images circulated, with Twitter posts about the shoes gaining over 50,000 retweets in six hours. "This is the holy grail of posthumous Virgil discoveries," tweeted sneaker historian Brendan Dunne. The timing coincides with the upcoming fifth anniversary of "The Ten" collection this fall.

Market experts warn collectors about potential fakes, as counterfeiters often target unreleased samples. Legit Check App has implemented special verification protocols for the "Alaska" pairs. Nike has not commented on whether they'll officially release the colorway, though sources suggest it's unlikely due to its prototype status.

The sneaker's emergence comes weeks after Sotheby's sold another Abloh sample pair for $1.8 million, setting a new record for modern sneakers. This latest discovery reinforces Abloh's enduring cultural impact and the growing market for rare designer collaborations.