SAMPLE LOOK-SEE Air Jordan XVI (16) "Bred" (2001) M6.5/W8 Not Wearable

This rare sample of the iconic Air Jordan XVI (16) Bred is presented without its signature removable magnetic lace shroud. Originally designed by Wilson Smith III and released in 2001, this particular pair exhibits notable design elements referencing classic legacy models.  This pair represents an authentic early look-see sample (or wear-test sample), making it a highly unique and exceptionally rare artifact in sneaker history.  The 0000000 designation on vintage Nike and Jordan production tags from this era serves as a placeholder for the barcode/UPC serial tracking sequence when a shoe is manufactured prior to the official approval of the final commercial product run.  The Sample Indicator: Rather than featuring a finalized, unique retail UPC barcode number, the factory utilized these tags with zeroes to denote their inclusion in a pre-production batch.  The Promo/Sample Contrast: While subsequent eras employed distinct tags explicitly marked PROMO SAMPLE, vintage Nike pairs from 2000-2001 often designated their test pairs by utilizing all zeroes in the barcode area or by formatting production dates with unique factory codes.  This pair exhibits differences when compared to the general release version, notably in the sole construction. While this is a pre-owned but exceptionally rare pair, it does present with separation and crumbling on the soles, necessitating a sole swap for wear or use as a display item. This pair is a men's size 6.5 or women's size 8.