[null, {"document_url": "http://www.oslosneakerfest.com/blog/2014/8/20/the-sample-corner-nike-sb-heavens-gate", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5283b109e4b01e8cfd59170f/t/53f450d9e4b08efca8cf9457/1408520410816/heavenssample.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5283b109e4b01e8cfd59170f/t/53f450d9e4b08efca8cf9457/1408520410816/heavenssample.jpg", "formatted_filename": "heavenssample", "alt_text": "The scrapped sample shoe."}, null, null, {"document_url": "http://www.oslosneakerfest.com/blog/2014/8/20/the-sample-corner-nike-sb-heavens-gate", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5283b109e4b01e8cfd59170f/t/53f4546ee4b09d2c3eb1021c/1408521327051/un-heavens+gate.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5283b109e4b01e8cfd59170f/t/53f4546ee4b09d2c3eb1021c/1408521327051/un-heavens+gate.jpg", "formatted_filename": "un heavens gate", "alt_text": "The \"un-heaven'sgate\" with its revised and released colors."}, null]

Today we take a look at another Nike sb sample, from December 2007 called the "heaven's gate".
Originally scheduled for a August 2008 release, the shoe was scrapped due to it's controversial inspiration which came from the religious cult with the same name. The scrapped sample shoe.

The resemblance with the group can be found in the colorway of the shoe, which is similar to the robes worn by cult members. The group also made a point out of wearing only black and white Nike Cortez shoes- which caught the media's attention after a mass suicide on March 26, 2007:

-They were found lying neatly in their own bunk beds, with their faces and torsos covered by a square, purple cloth. Each member carried a five dollar bill and three quarters in their pockets. All 39 were dressed in identical black shirts and sweat pants, brand new black-and-white Nike “Cortez” athletic shoes, and armband patches reading “Heaven’s Gate Away Team.” A cult member after the suicide, seen wearing  the cult signature cortez and the purple cloth.

This off course caused Nike to rethink their release plan, and instead released the "un-futura" dunk high.
The colorway was however revised in April 2009 and saw release. Although not exactly similar we got the shoe that has become known as the "un-heaven's gate" dunk high. The "un-heaven'sgate" with its revised and released colors.

For those of you interested in acquiring a pair of the samples, they are currently running around 800$ for a good pair. While the released shoes have pretty much kept themselves around retail.

If you are curious after reading this, you should join the Sneaker Fest crew at our 5 year anniversary event on September 6th in Oslo as there will be a pair of samples on display.