Air Jordan 8 VIII Paprika Kids Sample Prototype Release Date

Those who were involved in sneakers during the forum era probably don’t need an introduction to this Air Jordan 8. Photos of the rare, kid-sized “Paprika” sample from the original Sky Jordan days have been making rounds online for the better part of the last 30 years. In addition to its bold contrast colorblocking, the shoe is highlighted by a few notable differences from the traditional Jordan 8—there’s no chenille tongue patch and the midsole features a ‘teeth’ design in place of the usual multicolor brush strokes. After that long, 30-year wait, this once-coveted sample is finally making its way to retail, but there’s a bit of unfortunate news to go along with that.

zSneakerheadz, who also supplied these early Nike photos, reports that the “Paprika” Air Jordan 8 will release on September 23. The catch? Like the original sample, these are only being released in kids’ sizes. So, for the older crowd that remembers these circulating many years ago, a pair for your little one (or the collection) will have to suffice for now. Keep an eye out for more on this drop in the coming months.