These One-of-One Samples Show How the Air Yeezy 2 Could've Ended Up

None before it, none to come.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

The Nike Air Yeezy 2 is unquestionably one of the best sneakers of the last decade, but judging by this sample, they almost turned out a lot different than the pair we know today.

L.A.-based consignment store Rif took to its Instagram to share the rare samples, which were brought in by @iammikeair. According to the tag behind the tongue, these are a one-of-one pair that were created for the 2010 MTV VMAs. Furthermore, Rif's caption includes the tag #PETAwiththeblock, which implies that that the animal rights organization may have forced Nike to pull the plug on this version due to its fur liner.

The sneakers themselves have a few other differences when compared to the retail version, most notably the leather upper construction and rounded toe box, which were changed to mesh and a more aerodynamic shape before the final production. The strap on these samples also features large "NIKE" branding, something that obviously didn't appear on the retail pairs.

It goes without saying that these will probably remain a one-of-one for a long time to come, so take a good look at them now. 

 

 

Image via @iammikeair